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STUDIES 


IN    THE 


Acts  of  the  Apostles 


BY 


B.  B.  LOOMIS,  Ph.D.,  D.D. 


NEW    YORK:     EATON    &   MAINS 
CINCINNATI :   CURTS  &  JENNINGS 


Copyright,  1896,  by 

EATON    &    MAINS, 

New  York. 


Eaton  &  Mains  Press, 
150  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York. 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

Preface,    ..........  7 

Methods  of  Study 9 

Methods  of  Instruction,       .......  10 

The  Course  Divided  into  Lessons,             ,          .          .          .  .11 

First  Study — Analysis  of  the  Book  of  Acts,          .          .          .  13 

Second  Study — The  Introduction,             .•        .          .          .  .18 

Third  Study — Preparation  for  Pentecost,      ....  22 

Fourth  Study — The  Pentecostal  Church,           .          .          ,  .26 

Fifth  Study — The  Church  in  Transition,       ....  32 

Sixth  Study — The  Gentile  Church  Established,          .          .  .40 

Seventh  Study — Paul's  First  Missionary  Journey,            .          .  45 

Eighth  Study — The  Gentile  Church  Recognized,       .          .  .49 

Ninth  Study — Paul's  Second  Missionary  Journey,           .          .  52 

Tenth  Study — Paul's  Third  Missionary  Journey,       .          .  -57 

Eleventh  Study — Paul's  Arrest  and  Imprisonment,         .          .  62 

Twelfth  Study — Paul's  Voyage  to  Rome  and  Imprisonment,  .     67 


PREFACE. 


The  constantly  increasing  interest  taken  in  the  study  of 
the  English  Bible  is  cause  for  great  satisfaction  on  the  part 
of  all  lovers  of  the  divine  Word. 

There  has  always  been  much  devotional  reading  of  the 
word  of  truth  by  believers,  since  here  is  found  the  bread  of 
life  for  the  soul  But  this  reading  has  been  very  largely 
fragmentary,  of  isolated  passages,  without  reference  to  the 
scope  of  the  book  as  a  whole,  or  their  relation  to  other  por- 
tions of  the  author's  writings.  Recently,  however,  the  Bible 
has  been  studied  more  in  a  systematic  manner,  the  inductive 
method  has  been  applied,  and  questions  of  relation,  time, 
place,  circumstances,  are  taken  into  account,  so  that  more 
clear  and   intelligent   ideas  of  its  real  teaching  have   been 

gained. 

The  Bible  has  been  made  a  text-book  in  a  large  number  of 
institutions  of  learning,  and  regular  recitations  are  heard,  and 
as  thorough  preparation  required  as  in  any  other  branch  of 

study. 

It  is  for  the  promotion  of  this  advanced  movement  that 
the  present  volume  has  been  prepared.  As  its  title  indicates, 
this  is  not  a  book  for  mere  cursory  reading,  nor  even  a  book 
whose  contents  are  to  be  simply  memorized,  but  it  is  designed 
as  a  guide  and  aid  to  the  faithful  student  in  acquiring  a  clear 
understanding  of  the  Book  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 


8  PREFACE. 

This  work  has  been  prepared  as  a  companion  volume  to 
Dr.  J.  L.  Hurlbut's  Studies  in  the  Four  Gospels^  to  be  used 
consecutively  with  it,  and  hence  follows  the  same  general 
plan  and  arrangement  of  topics. 

The  author  has  consulted  numerous  authorities  in  the  prep- 
aration of  the  work,  and  spared  no  pains  in  seeking  to  arrive 
at  just  conclusions  on  all  doubtful  questions  of  chronology, 
etc.  He  desires  especially  to  acknowledge  his  obligation  to 
Rev.  J.  L.  Hurlbut,  D.D.,  for  permission  to  make  use  of 
some  Studies  in  the  History  of  the  Early  Churchy  published  in 
the  Sunday  School  Jourtial  for  1892,  and  which  have  been 
largely  incorporated  into  the  present  volume,  to  the  great 
enrichment  of  its  pages. 

The  preparation  of  these  "  Studies  "  has  been  largely  a 
labor  of  love,  pursued  with  great  delight  in  the  midst  of  the 
duties  of  a  busy  pastorate,  and  in  the  hope  that  by  the  divine 
blessing  they  may  be  found  helpful  to  the  great  host  of 
students  and  teachers  of  the  Word,  to  whom  they  are  most 
respectfully  dedicated  by 

The  Author. 

Cambridge,  N.  Y.,  May  15,  1896. 


METHODS  OF  STUDY. 


This  book  is  designed  as  a  guide  and  aid  to  the  student  in  pursuing  a 
systematic  and  intelligent  study  of  that  wonderful  volume  of  early  Church 
history  known  as  "The  Acts  of  the  Apostles."  It  should  not  be  forgotten 
that  it  is  the  sacred  record,  rather  than  this  little  volume,  which  is  to  be 
the  subject  of  study.  Hence,  the  Scripture  references  are  very  copious 
and  the  most  thorough  study  requires  that  they  all  should  be  searched  out 
and  re-read  in  connection  with  the  topics  under  consideration. 

Still,  as  it  is  systematic  study  which  is  proposed,  it  will  be  found  a  great 
help  to  pay  careful  attention  to  the  framework  of  the  truth  by  faithfully 
memorizing  all  the  principal  divisions  and  subdivisions  of  each  lesson  be- 
fore entering  upon  the  minute  details. 

For  example,    take   the    First  Study,   page  13,  and  memorize  the  four 
principal  divisions,  which  are  indicated  by  Roman  numerals,  thus  : 
I.  The  Introduction  and  Dedication. 
II.  The  Pentecostal  Church. 

III.  The  Transitional  Church. 

IV.  The  Gentile  Church. 

Then  taking  up  I,  notice  the  brief  introduction  (Acts  I.  1-3)  and  the 
person  to  whom  the  work  is  dedicated,  looking  up  the  scriptural  references 
bearing  on  his  life  and  character,  and  noting  the  significance  of  his 
Greek  name.  Careful  attention  should  be  paid  also  to  the  inspired 
author's  statement  of  the  general  scope  of  his  book. 

In  a  similar  manner  treat  the  other  divisions  of  this  Study,  II,  III,  IV. 
Then,  as  a  test  of  memory,  make  the  attempt  to  recall  all  the  divisions  and 
subdivisions  from  the  Blackboard  Outline  at  the  end  of  the  Study,  and  fix 
the  whole  indelibly  in  the  mind  by  use  of  the  Questions  for  Review  which 
are  appended. 

Frequent  repetition  is  with  most  minds  the  price  which  they  must  pay 
for  a  firm  grasp  of  truth,  and  when  the  truth  is  so  precious  it  will  well 
repay  for  all  the  time  and  toil. 


METHODS  OF   INSTRUCTION. 


■  Various  methods  of  instruction  will  doubtless  be  pursued  by  teachers  of 
the  divine  Word  who  may  use  this  little  volume  as  a  text-book  in  their 
classes.  It  is  to  be  expected  that  such  will  adopt  their  own  plans,  but 
some  methods  may  be  suggested  which  arise  from  the  plan  and  object  of 
the  book  itself. 

1.  The  twelve  studies  may  be  taken  up  consecutively  at  the  summer  As- 
semblies, giving  a  day  or  more  to  each  study,  and  by  the  use  of  the  Black- 
board Outlines  and  oral  instruction,  with  much  patient  drilling,  a  somewhat 
complete  mastery  of  the  subject  may  be  gained  during  the  Assembly,  and  a 
creditable  examination  passed  at  its  close. 

2.  Or  the  normal  instructor,  especially  in  the  shorter  Assemblies,  may 
pursue  the  lesson-lecture  style  of  teaching,  unfolding  a»d  opening  up  the 
work  during  the  Assembly  and  leaving  the  members  of  the  class  to  pursue 
the  study  in  private  until  they  are  prepared  for  examination,  when  papers 
can  be  obtained  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Normal  Union,  150  Fifth  Ave- 
nue, New  York. 

3.  Normal  classes  may  be  organized  in  churches,  young  people's  soci- 
eties, or  communities,  and  the  course  pursued  in  weekly  lessons. 

4.  Teachers*  meetings  for  the  study  of  the  International  Lessons  may 
very  profitably  take  this  course  as  a  supplemental  study,  in  which  case  it 
is  well  to  use  the  division  into  shorter  lessons  as  given  on  page  11. 

Whatever  method  is  adopted  the  instructor  will  find  that  frequent 
reviews  are  of  the  utmost  value.  Each  lesson  learned  should  be  reviewed 
before  an  advance  lesson  is  given,  and  general  reviews  from  the  very  first 
should  be  conducted  from  time  to  time. 


THE  COURSE  DIVIDED  INTO  LESSONS. 


Whenever  it  is  found  impracticable  to  give  an  entire  evening  to  the 
study  of  these  lessons  they  may  be  taught  at  the  close  of  the  prayer  meet- 
ing or  of  the  young  people's  meeting,  or  they  may  occupy  a  part  of  the 
hour  at  the  weekly  teachers'  meeting. 

To  provide  for  cases  where  but  twenty  or  thirty  minutes  can  be  given  to 
such  studies,  the  twelve  studies  have  been  divided  into  thirty-five  shorter 
sections,  any  one  of  which  may  be  taught  in  twenty  minutes  when  teacher 
and  class  are  both  well  prepared. 

Lesson  I.  Analysis  of  the  Book  of  Acts.  Dedication  and  General  Divi- 
sions.    First  Study,  I. 

Lesson  IL     Analysis  of  Acts.     The  Pentecostal  Church.     First  Study,  II. 

Lesson  III.  Analysis  of  Acts.  The  Transitional  Church.  First  Study, 
III. 

Lesson  IV.     Analysis  of  Acts.     The  Gentile  Church.     First  Study,  IV. 

Lesson  V.  Introduction  to  the  Book  of  Acts.  Authorship.  Second 
Study,  I. 

Lesson  VI.  Introduction  to  Acts.  Authenticity,  Date,  and  Place.  Sec- 
ond Study,  II,  III,  IV. 

Lesson  VII.      Introduction    to   Acts.     Relation   to   Gospels  and  General 

Scope.     Second  Study,  V,  VI,  VII. 
Lesson  VIII.     Preparation  for  Pentecost.     Waiting  at  Jerusalem  and  the 

Ascension.     Third  Study,  I,  II. 
Lesson  IX.     Preparation  for  Pentecost.     The  Prolonged  Prayer  Meeting 

and  Recompletion  of  Apostolic  Number.     Third  Study,  III,  IV. 
Lesson  X.     The   Pentecostal  Church.     Time,    Place,   and   Environment. 

Fourth  Study,  I,  11,  III. 
Lesson  XI.     The  Pentecostal  Church.     Events.     Fourth  Study,  IV. 
Lesson  XII.     The    Pentecostal    Church.     Leadership    and    Membership. 

Fourth  Study,  V,  VI. 
Lesson  XIII.     The  Pentecostal  Church.     Government,   Institutions,  and 

Doctrines.     Fourth  Study,  VII,  VIII,  IX. 


12  THE   COURSE    DIVIDED    INTO    LESSONS. 


Lesson  XIV.     The  Church  in  Transition.     Time  and  Place.    Fifth  Study, 

I,  II. 
Lesson  XV.     The  Church  in  Transition.     Events.     Fifth  Study,  III. 
Lesson  XVI.     The  Church  in  Transition.     Leadership  and  Membership. 

Fifth  Study,  IV,  V. 

Lesson  XVII.  The  Church  in  Transition.  Government,  Institutions,  and 
Doctrines.     Fifth  Study,  VI,  VII,  VIII. 

Lesson  XVIII.  The  Church  among  the  Gentiles.  The  Gospel  Spread- 
ing Abroad.     Sixth  Study,  I. 

Lesson  XIX.  The  Church  among  the  Gentiles.  The  Church  at  Antioch. 
Sixth  Study,  II. 

Lesson  XX.  Paul's  First  Missionary  Journey.  The  World's  Preparation 
for  the  Gospel  and  the  Chosen  Messengers.      Seventh  Study,  I,  II. 

Lesson  XXI.  Paul's  First  Missionary  Journey.  The  Places  Visited. 
Seventh  Study,  III. 

Lesson  XXII.  The  Gentile  Church  Recognized.  Preparation  and  Ne- 
cessity for  Recognition.      Eighth 'Study,  I,  II. 

Lesson  XXIII.  The  Gentile  Church  Recognized.  Process  of  Recogni- 
tion.    Eighth  Study,  III. 

Lesson  XXIV.  The  Gentile  Church.  Time  and  Place.  Ninth  Study, 
I,  IL 

Lesson  XXV.  The  Gentile  Church.  Paul's  Second  Missionaiy  Journey. 
Ninth  Study,  III. 

Lesson  XXVI.  The  Gentile  Church.  Leadership  and  Membership. 
Tenth  Study,  I,  II. 

Lesson  XXVII.  Paul's  Third  Missionary  Journey.  Time,  Companions, 
and  Places.     Tenth  Study,  III,  i,  2,  3. 

Lesson  XXVIII.  Paul's  Third  Missionary  Journey.  Events.  Tenth 
Study,  III,  4. 

Lesson  XXIX.     The  Gentile  Church.     Government.     Eleventh  Study,  I. 

Lesson  XXX,     Paul's  Arrest  at  Jerusalem.     Eleventh  Study,  II, 

Lesson  XXXI.     Paul's  Imprisonment  at  Coesarea.     Eleventh  Study,  III. 

Lesson  XXXII.  The  Gentile  Church.  Institutions  and  Doctrines. 
Twelfth  Study,  I,  II. 

Lesson  XXXIII.     Paul's  Voyage  to  Rome.     Twelfth  Study,  III. 

Lesson  XXXIV.     Paul's  Imprisonment  in  Rome.     Twelfth  Study,  IV. 

Lesson  XXXV,  Events  Succeeding  the  Scripture  Narrative.  Twelfth 
Study,  V. 


STUDIES  IN  THE  BOOK  OF  ACTS. 


FIRST    STUDY. 

ANALYSIS  OF  THE  BOOK  OF  ACTS. 

In  these  studies  we  first  make  an  analysis  of  the  Book  of 
Acts  and  take  a  general  preview  of  the  whole  book  before 
making  a  detailed  examination  of  its  several  parts.  In  this 
way  we  may  hope  to  come  to  a  better  understanding  of  the 
relations  which  the  several  parts  sustain  to  each  other. 

The  Book  of  Acts  may  be  naturally  divided,  according  to 
the  subjects  treated,  into  four  portions  of  greatly  differing 
lengths. 

I.  The  Introduction  and  Dedication,  which  is  con- 
tained in  the  first  three  verses  of  the  first  chapter.  Here  the 
writer  dedicates  this  volume  to  Theophilus,  the  same 
person  to  whom,  two  or  three  years  before  this,  he  had  dedi- 
cated his  story  of  Christ's  life  in  the  third  gospel. 

Who  Theophilus  may  have  been  is  uncertain.  The  Greek 
word  ^^  theophilus  "  means  a  lover  of  God,  and  some  scholars 
have  inferred  that  a  character  rather  than  a  person  is  meant, 
and  that  all  lovers  of  God  have  a  right  to  consider  Luke's 
writings  as  addressed  to  them. 

It  seems  most  probable,  however,  that  Theophilus  was  a 
well-known  person.  The  honorable  epithet  (Luke  i.  3)  and 
the  explanation  of  the  distance  of  Olivet  from  Jerusalem 
(Acts  I.  12)  imply  personality,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  believe 
that  he  was  a  Christian  convert  at  Rome  and  known  to  both 


14  STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF   ACTS. 

Paul  and  Luke  there.*  The  writer  in  his  brief  introduction 
refers  to  his  previous  volume,  and  intimates  that  the  Book 
of  Acts  is  a  continuation  of  the  same  general  theme,  namely, 
the  founding  and  growth  of  Christianity  in  the  earth. 

The  body  of  the  work  has  been  divided  according  to  the 
suggestions  in  our  Lord's  words  (Acts  i.  8)  into  three  general 
heads,  representing  three  distinctly  marked  phases  of  the 
growth  and  establishment  of  Christ's  Church  in  the  earth, 
namely: 

1.  The  Pentecostal  Church. 

2.  The  Transitional  Church. 

3.  The  Church  among  the  Gentiles. 

We  will  look  at  these  in  order. 

IT  The  Pentecostal  Church  is  described  in  Acts  i.  4 
to  6.  8. 
The  typical  leader  during  this  period  is  the  apostle 

Peter,  who  from  seniority  and  a  forward,  impulsive  temper- 
ament, naturally  assumed  the  leadership  of  his  fellow-apos- 
tles and  the  infant  Church. 

The  typical  city  is  Jerusalem,  since  all  the  events  of 
this  period  occur  in  and  around  this  city. 

The  principal  subdivisions  are  : 

1.  The  Preparation  for  Pentecost.     Acts  i.  4-26. 

2.  Event  of  the  Pentecost.     Acts  2.  1-47. 

3.  The  Pentecostal  Church  Developing  in  Miraculous 
Power  and  Endurance  of  Persecution.     Acts  3.  i  to  4.  37. 

4.  The  Pentecostal  Church  Manifesting  Penal  Power. 
Acts  5.   1-16. 

5.  The  Pentecostal  Church  again  under  Persecution.     Acts 

5-  17-42. 

6.  The  Pentecostal  Church  Forming  its  Economy.  Acts 
6.  1-8. 

*  McClintock  and  Strong's  Cyclopcedia,  vol.  x,  p.  334. 


STUDIES   IN    THE   BOOK    OF    ACTS.  15 


III.  The  Transitional  Church  is  set  forth  in  Acts  6. 

9  to  15.  34. 

Though  there  are  several  leaders  for  this  period  we  select 
as  the  typical  character,  Philip  the  evangelist,  one  of 
the  seven  deacons  and  one  of  the  first  to  carry  the  Gospel 
beyond  the  bounds  of  Judea. 

The  typical  city  is  Antioch  in  Syria,  which  became 
the  seat  of  a  Christian  church,  and  ultimately  a  great  center 
of  missionary  effort. 

This  portion  of  the  Book  of  Acts  is  devoted  largely  to 
setting  forth  the  great  truth  that  Christianity  is  not 
merely  an  ethnic  religion,  designed  for  the  Jews  only, 
but  it  is  cosmopolitan  in  its  nature  and  design,  "a  light  to 
lighten  the  Gentiles  "  as  well  as  the  true  glory  of  Israel. 

The  struggles  with  Jewish  narrowness  and  ex- 
clusiveness  are  graphically  portrayed,  and  we  are  shown 
the  rapid  spread  of  Christianity  among  the  Gentiles,  and  at 
last  the  full  recognition  of  Gentile  Christianity  by  the  mother 
Church  at  Jerusalem — a  recognition  which  admits  the  right 
of  a  Gentile  to  become  a  Christian  without  first  becoming  a 
proselyte  to  Judaism. 

The  subdivisions  are  : 

1.  The  Pentecostal  Church  Dispersed.     Acts  6.  9  to  8.  4. 

2.  Philip  Evangelizing  Samaria.     Acts  8.  5-25. 

3.  The  New  Apostle  to  the  Gentiles  Called.     Acts  9.  1-30. 

4.  The  Gospel  among  the  Gentiles.     Acts  9.  31  to  11.  30. 

5.  Desolation  of  Jerusalem  Church.     Acts  12.  1-25. 

6.  Paul's  First  Missionary  Journey.     Acts  13.  i  to  14.  28. 

7.  The  Council  at  Jerusalem.     Acts  15.  1-34. 

IV.  The  story  of  the  Church  as  established  among 
the  Gentiles  occupies  the  remainder  of  the  book.  Acts 
15-  35  to  28.  3. 

In  this  portion  of  the  sacred  history  Paul  is  the  great 
leader  and  the  true  typical  character. 


i6  STUDIES   IN   THE    BOOK   OF   ACTS. 

He  was  called  to  be  the  apostle  to  the  Gentiles.  By 
his  great  missionary  journeys  especially  he  carried  the  Gospel 
into  the  regions  beyond,  and  planted  new  churches  in  west- 
ern Asia  and  eastern  Europe,  while  in  his  epistles  he  formu- 
lated a  body  of  Christian  doctrine  which  has  been  a  standard 
for  the  Church  in  all  ages. 

The  typical  city  for  this  period  is  imperial  Rome. 
Here  the  Gospel  becomes  so  firmly  established  that  not  even 
the  fierce  persecutions  of  Nero  and  succeeding  pagan  em- 
perors can  destroy  it,  but  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  proves 
the  seed  of  the  Church,  until  within  three  hundred  years 
paganism  is  conquered  and  Christianity  is  acknowledged  by 
the  Emperor  Constantine. 

The  subdivisions  of  this  period  are  : 

1.  Paul's  Second  Missionary  Journey.    Acts  15.  35  to  i8.  22. 

2.  Paul's  Third  Missionary  Journey.     Acts  18.  23  to  21.  17 

3.  Paul  in  Council  with  James.     Acts  21.  18-25. 

4.  Paul's  Arrest  at  Jerusalem.     Acts  21.  26  to  23.  35. 

5.  Paul  at  Caesarea.     Acts  24.  i  to  26.  32. 

6.  Paul  at  Rome.     Acts  27.  i  to  28.  31. 

BLACKBOARD    OUTLINE. 


Analysis  of  the  Book  of  Acts. 

I. 

I.  &  D.     To  Th.     Ref.  to  G.     Purpose.     Acts  i.  1-3. 

II. 

P.  Ch.     Lr.  P.     Cty.  J.     Acts  i.  4  to  6.  8. 

Sub.  I.   P.  for  P.     2.  E.  of  P.     3.  P.  C.  D.     4.  P.  Ch.  P.  P. 

5.   P.  Ch.  P.     6.   P.  Ch.  E. 

III. 

Tr.  Ch.     Lr.  Ph.     Cty.  A.     Acts  6.  9  to  15.  34. 

Sub.  I.    P.  Ch.  Dis.       2.    Ph.  Evg.     3.   New  A.  to  G.     4.   G. 

am   Gent.     5.  Des.  J.  Ch.     6.  P.  ist  Miss.  J.     7.  C.  at  J. 

IV. 

Ch.  am.  Gen.     Lr.  Pi.    Jour,  and  Ep.     Cty.  Imp.  R.     Acts  15. 

35  to  28.  31. 

Sub.  I.   P.  2d  M.  J.     2.   P.  3d  M.  J.     3.  P.  in  C.  with  J.     4.  P. 

Ar.  at  J.     5.   P.  at  C.     6.   P.  at  R. 

STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK  OF   ACTS.  i? 

QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 
How  many  general  divisions  of  the  Book  of  Acts  may  naturally  be 

made  ? 

What  is  the  basis  of  theSe  divisions  ? 

What  is  the  twofold  topic  of  the  first  division  ? 

What  portion  of  the  Book  of  Acts  does  it  mclude? 

What  is  the  topic  of  the  second  division? 

Qive  the  principal  subdivisions. 

How  much  of  the  Book  of  Acts  is  included? 

Who  was  the  typical  leader  i 

What  was  the  typical  city  ? 

What  topic  is  treated  in  the  third  division  ? 

What  are  the  subdivisions  ? 

Who  was  the  typical  character  ? 

What  was  the  typical  city  ? 

What  portion  of  Acts  is  devoted  to  this  division  ? 

Give  the  general  topic  of  the  fourth  division. 

Wliat  are  the  subdivisions  ? 

Who  was  the  typical  leader  ?  n 

What  was  the  typical  city  ? 

What  part  of  Acts  is  included  in  this  division? 

2 


i8  STUDIES   IN    THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


SECOND  STUDY. 

INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  BOOK  OF  ACTS. 

The  opening  sentences  (Acts  i.  1-3)  form  a  brief  but  beaniti- 
ful  introduction,  in  the  writer's  own  words,  to  the  whole  book. 
Seven  things  are  suggested  for  our  consideration,  namely: 
Authorship,  Authenticity,  Date,  Place,  Relation  to 
the  Gospels,  Close  Connection  with  Third  Gospel, 
and  the  General  Scope  of  the  Work. 

I.  Authorship.  The  writer  introduces  himself  at  once 
as  the  author  of  the  third  gospel,  a  statement  which  is  uni- 
versally accepted,  and  which  is  strikingly  corroborated  by 
the  similarity  of  style  in  both  works  as  admitted  by  the  most 
eminent  scholars. 

Of  Luke  we  only  know  that  he  was  a  Christian  physician 
(Col.  4.  14)  who  appears  to  have  joined  Paul  and  party  at 
Troas,  as  there  in  his  narrative  he  begins  to  use  the  first 
person  plural  and  say  "  we  "  instead  of  "  they  "  in  describing 
the  experiences  of  the  journey  (Acts  16.  10).  He  also  was 
with  Paul  in  his  voyage  to  Rome  (Acts  27.  i),  suffered  ship- 
wreck with  him  on  the  island  of  Malta  (x\cts  28.  2),  and 
accompanied  him  to  Rome  (Acts  28.  16);  where  he  appears 
to  have  continued  with  him  during  his  two  years'  imprison- 
ment there  (Acts  28.  30,  31).  We  have  also  the  great  apos- 
tle's testimony  that  this  faithful  friend  was  loyal  to  the  very 
end  (2  Tim.  4.  11). 

It  is  not  improbable  that  Luke  was  a  physician  residing 
at  Troas,  converted  through  Paul's  preaching,  and  attaching 
himself  to  the  apostle  with  all  the  ardor  of  a  young  convert.* 

*  McClintock  and  Strong's  Cyclopcedia^  vol.  v.,  p.  550. 


STUDIES   IN    THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  19 

II.  Authenticity.  The  Book  of  Acts  has  held  its  place 
in  the  canon  of  Holy  Scripture  unchallenged  from  the  very 
first;  indeed,  the  Syriac  version,  made  before  the  canon  was 
completed,  contains  the  Book  of  Acts  ascribed  to  Luke,  and 
in  its  present  location. 

Early  writers  among  the  Christian  fathers  also  place  it 
among  the  books  that  were  never  disputed  by  the  Church. 

It  is  connected  with  Paul's  epistles  by  striking  and  unde- 
signed evidences,  such  as  are  indicated  in  Acts  18.  3  and 
I  Cor.  4.  12;  Acts  18.  9,  10,  and  i  Cor.  2.  3;  Acts  28.  30,  31, 
and  Phil.  i.  12-14. 

Its  geographical  and  historical  references  and  allusions 
are  confirmed  as  accurate  by  historic  coins  and  medals. 
Says  Dr.  Whedon,  "  The  narrative  of  Paul's  shipwreck  has 
been  minutely  examined  by  modern  science,  and  all  its  de- 
tails have  been  found  completely  true  to  nature  and  the  sea- 
manship of  the  Mediterranean  of  Paul's  day." 

III.  Date.  It  is  confessedly  impossible  to  fix  the  exact 
date  when  this  book  was  written.  As  the  author  gives  a 
detailed  account  of  Paul's  life  and  labors  until  the  close  of 
the  second  year  of  the  apostle's  imprisonment  in  Rome  it 
could  not  well  have  been  completed  at  an  earlier  date,  and 
as  he  makes  no  mention  of  his  martyrdom  it  is  generally  be- 
lieved to  have  been  finished  before  that  event,  and  it  is  ex- 
tremely improbable  that  it  would  have  been  written  after  the 
overthrow  of  Jerusalem  without  some  reference  to  that  great 
catastrophe.  The  date  is  therefore  probably  somewhere 
between  A.  D.  63  and  66. 

IV.  Place.  Modern  scholars  with  great  unanimity  de- 
cide that  the  Book  of  Acts  was  written  at  Rome,  where  Luke 
appears  to  have  resided  for  several  years. 

V.  Relation  to  the  Gospels.  This  book  is  supple- 
mental to  the  Four  Gospels.  Like  them  it  is  historical 
in  character,  and  being  a  continuation  of  the  same  history 


20  STUDIES   IN    THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 

of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  on  the  earth  it  stands  in  its 
proper  place  in  the  sacred  canon.  It  takes  up  the  story  of 
Christianity  where  the  evangelists  leave  it,  and  carries  it  on 
from  the  ascension  of  Christ  to  the  close  of  the  second  year 
of  Paul's  imprisonment  in  Rome. 

VI.  Close  Connection  with  Luke's  Gospel.    The 

Book  of  Acts  is  intimately  related  to  all  the  gospels,  but  it 
is  most  closely  connected  with  the  third.  This  we  would 
naturally  expect  since  both  works  are  from  the  pen  of  the 
same  author  and  both  addressed  to  the  same  person.  Luke 
I.  3  and  Acts  i.  i. 

Some  scholars  consider  the  two  books  as  two  parts  of  one 
great  work — a  history  of  early  Christianity — the  former  part 
treating  of  the  inauguration  .of  Christianity  by  its  divine 
Founder;  the  second  part  describing  its  growth,  establish- 
ment, and  extension  in  the  earth  under  the  labors  of  divinely 
appointed  agents. 

Luke's  gospel,  as  he  declares  in  this  introduction,  describes 
what  Jesus  began  to  do,  in  person,  in  founding  his 
Church ;  this  book  declares  what  he  continued  to  do 
through  his  apostles  and  their  coadjutors.  Again  the  two 
works  overlap  each  other,  each  containing  a  detailed  account 
of  the  ascension  of  Christ.  Luke  24.  50,  51  ;  Acts  i.  9-1 1. 
The  closest  connection,  therefore,  exists  between  the  two 
books. 

VII.  General  Scope.  This  history  covers  a  period  of 
about  thirty-six  years — from  the  ascension  of  Christ  to  the 
close  of  the  second  year  of  Paul's  imprisonment  in  Rome. 
During  this  period  four  different  emperors  sat  on  the  throne 
of  the  Roman  empire,  namely,  Tiberius,  Caligula, 
Claudius,  and  Nero.  The  great  theme  of  the  book  is 
the  establishment,  growth,  and  extension  of  that  kingdom  of 
heaven  among  men  which  Jesus,  the  Christ,  came  to  set  up 
on  the  earth.     However,  it  must   not  be   forgotten  that  the 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS.  21 

Book  of  Acts  is  not  a  full  history  of  early  Christianity, 
neither  is  it  a  complete  life  of  the  apostle  Paul,  but  seems 
designed  to  set  forth  the  steps  ''whereby  the  Christian 
Church  grew  from  a  little  body  of  Jewish  disciples  in  and 
about  the  city  of  Jerusalem  to  a  Church  for  all  the  nations 
and  all  the  world.  Therefore  it  begins  at  Jerusalem  and 
ends  at  Rome,  the  capital  of  the  world." 

BLACKBOARD  OUTLINE. 


Introduction  to  the  Book  of  Acts. 

Seven  things:  Authp.,  Authty.,  Da.,  PL,  Rel.  to  Gosp.,  Con.  with 
3d  Gosp.,  Gen.  Sc. 
I.  Authp.     Lu. 
II.  Authty.     Syr.  Ver.     Earl.  Wr.    PL's  Epist.     Geog.  and  Hist. 

III.  Da. 

IV.  PL     Ro. 

V.  ReL  to  Gosp.     SuppL 
VI.  Con.  with  3d  Gosp.     Auth.     Beg.  and  Cont.     Asc. 
VII.   Gen.  Sc.     36  Yrs.     4  Emps.     Theme. 


QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 

What  seven  things  are  suggested  for  consideration  ? 

How  does  the  writer  introduce  himself? 

Why  is  Luke  believed  to  have  joined  Paul  at  Troas  ? 

Give  some  proofs  of  the  authenticity  of  Acts? 

What  is  the  probable  date  ? 

Where  was  this  book  written  ? 

What  is  its  relation  to  the  gospels  ? 

What  part  of  the  story  of  Christianity  does  it  describe? 

How  is  the  close  relation  of* Acts  to  the  third  gospel  shown? 

Why  would  this  naturally  have  been  expected  ? 

How  long  a  period  of  time  does  this  history  cover? 

What  four  Roman  emperors  reigned  during  this  time? 

Give  the  special  scope  and  design  of  the  book. 


22 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


THIRD  STUDY. 


PREPARATION  FOR  PENTECOST. 

Pentecost,  with  its  wondrous  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
was  the  inaugural  day  of  Christ's  Church  on  the  earth.  For 
so  great  an  event  full  preparation  was  most  fitting.  The 
four  successive  steps  of  this  preparation  are  thus  described 
by  Luke:  * 

I.  The  Waiting  at  Jerusalem. 

To  this  they  were  incited  by  a  positive  command  (Luke  24. 
49;  Acts  I.  4)  and  a  most  gracious  promise  (Acts  i.  5,  8). 

IL  The  Ascension  of  Jesus. 

This  is  properly  placed  among  the  steps  preparatory  to  the 
Holy  Spirit's  descent,  for  the  Master  had  expressly  declared  the 

necessity  of  his  departure 
from  earth,  that  the  Spirit 
might  be  given  (John  16.  7); 
and  after  the  event  Peter 
had  proclaimed  to  the  as- 
sembled thousands  that  the 
wondrous  spiritual  miracle 
was  the  gift  of  the  ascended 
Jesus  (Acts  2.  32,  33). 

In  connection  with  the 
ascension  we  note  three 
things: 

I.  The  place, which  was 
just  over  the  summit  of  the 
Mount  of  Olives,  near  the  village  of  Bethany,  about  one 
mile  from  Jerusalem.     Luke  24.  50;  Acts  i.  12. 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK    OF   ACTS. 


23 


2.  The  witnesses.  These  were  the  eleven  faithful 
apostles,  who,  since  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  became  an 
assured  fact,  had  continued  together,  and  for  forty  days  had 
been  favored  with  frequent  interviews  with  their  risen 
Lord.     Luke  24.  31,  34;  John  20.  19,   26;   21.  4-13;   i  Cor. 

15.3-8. 

That  they  were  expecting  some  marvelous  manifestation 
of  his  power  and  glory  at  this  time  is  clear  from  the  question 
asked.     Acts  i.  6. 

3.  The  manner  is  simply  but  graphically  sketched  by 
Luke  in  the  two  accounts  which  he  has  given  of  this  great 
event.  We  learn  from  the  gospel  (Luke  24.  50,  51)  that  it 
was  while  Jesus  stood  with  uplifted  hands  in  the  very  act  of 
blessing  his  disciples  that  he  was  parted  from  them  ;  and 
the  account  in  Acts  that  as  he  ascended  a  bright  cloud  re- 
ceived him  out  of  their  sight,  and  a  vision  of  angels  was  seen, 
who  declared  to  them  the  certainty  of  Christ's  return  in 
like  manner  as  they  had  seen  him  go  into  heaven  (Acts  i. 
10,  11).  Note  we  are  wholly  dependent  upon  the  writings  of 
Luke  for  all  description  of  the  ascension. 

in.  The  Prolonged  Prayer  Service. 

1.  The  place  was  an  "upper  room"  to  which  the  apos- 
tles repaired  on  their  return  from 
the  scene  of  the  ascension.  Acts 
I.  13.  Tradition  holds  that  it  was 
the  same  room  where  the  last  Pass- 
over feast  had  been  celebrated  with 
their  Lord,  and  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  had  been  in- 
stituted. Matt  26.  17-29;  Mark 
14.  12-26  ;  Luke  22.  7-20. 

2.  The  persons  present  were 
the  eleven  apostles  (Acts  i.  13), 
"  with  the  women,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  Jesus,  and  his 


Silqam 
hilteif  of  BiniKon 


24  STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 

brethren;  "  one  hundred  and  twenty  in  all    (Acts  i.  14,   15  ; 
Matt.  13.  55). 

3.  The  time.  For  ten  days  from  the  ascension,  which 
was  forty  days  after  the  resurrection  (Acts  i.  3),  until  the  Day 
of  Pentecost,  which  was  fifty  days  after  the  Passover  (Lev. 
23.  15,  16),  this  prayerful  waiting  continued  according  to  the 
Lord's  command. 

IV.  The  Recompletion  of  the  Apostolic  Number. 

In  the  midst  of  these  days  of  united  prayer  Peter  arose 
and  stated  the  necessity  that  someone  of  their  number  should 
be  appointed  to  take  the  place  of  the  fallen  and  deceased 
traitor,  Judas,  The  sad  fate  of  the  apostate  is  described 
parenthetically  in  Acts  i.  18,  19.  See  also  Matt.  27.  5-8. 
Among  the  indispensable  qualifications  for  the  apostolate 
was  the  necessity  for  personal  companionship  with  Jesus 
and  the  apostles  from  the  time  of  John's  baptism  until 
the  ascension,  and  the  reason  for  this  was  that  the  newly 
elected  apostle  might  be  able  to  bear  witness  with  the 
other  apostles  to  the  identity  of  the  risen  Christ,  Acts 
I.  21,  22. 

They  accordingly  nominated  two  of  their  number  (Acts  i. 
23)  after  earnest  prayer  for  divine  direction  (Acts  i.  24). 
They  then  sought  the  divine  decision  by  means  of  the  lot. 
Acts  T.  26;  Lev.  16.  8,  9;  Prov.  16.  ^^.  The  probable 
method  of  submitting  this  matter  to  lot  was  as  follows:  The 
names  of  the  two  candidates  were  placed  in  an  urn;  in 
another  urn  were  two  ballots  with  the  word  "apostle"  in- 
scribed upon  one,  the  other  blank.  One  person  took  a  name 
from  the  first  urn,  at  the  same  time  another  person  drew  a 
ballot  from  the  other  urn,  and  the  result  decided  the  matter. 
The  apostolic  college  was  once  more  complete  and  the  pray- 
ing and  waiting  went  on  until  the  Day  of  Pentecost  was  fully 
come  and  "  the  promise  of  the  Father  "  descended  upon  the 
waiting  company.     Acts  2.  i,  2. 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK    OF   ACTS.  25 


BLACKBOARD   OUTLINE. 


Preparation  for  Pentecost. 

I. 

Wtg.  at  J.     I.  Pos.  Com.     2.  Gia,  Prom. 

II. 

Asc.  ofj.     I.   PI.     2.  Ws.     3.   Man. 

III. 

Pro.  Pr.  Serv.     i.  PI.     2.  Per.     3.  Ti. 

IV. 

Re.  Ap.  No.     Nee.      Meth.      Pers. 

QUESTION.S  FOR  REVIEW. 

Mention  the  four  steps  of  preparation  for  the  Pentecost. 

How  were  the  apostles  incited  to  wait  at  Jerusalem? 

Why  was  the  ascension  one  of  the  necessary  steps  ? 

What  three  things  are  noted  in  connection  with  the  ascension  ? 

How  many  interviews  had  the  disciples  with  Jesus  after  his  resurrection  ? 

In  what  act  was  Jesus  engaged  at  the  time  of  his  ascension  ? 

How  many  descriptions  of  this  event  are  given  in  the  Bible,  and  by 
whom  ? 

Who  were  present  at  the  "Prolonged  Prayer  Service  ?" 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  Pentecost  ? 

Why  was  it  necessary  that  an  apostle  should  be  elected  in  Judas's  place  ? 

What  were  the  human  and  what  the  divine  elements  in  that  election  ? 

What  scriptural  authority  is  there  for  seeking  to  ascertain  God's  will 
by  the  lot  ? 


26  STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


FOURTH  STUDY. 

THE  PENTECOSTAL  CHURCH. 

Part  First. 

The  Pentecostal  Church  was  the  mother,  and  in  its 
spirituality  tlie  type,  of  all  succeeding  churches  of  Jesus 
Christ.     We  notice  in  order  : 

I.  Time.  The  period  of  the  Pentecostal  Church  begins 
with  the  events  of  the  Day  of  Pentecost,  A.  D.  30,  which  was 
ten  days  after  the  ascension  and  fifty  days  after  the  resur- 
rection of  our  Lord.  It  ends  with  the  choosing  of  the  seven, 
A.  D.  35,  thus  covering  the  first  five  years  in  the  history  of 
the  Church. 

IT  Place.  As  far  as  we  can  learn  from  the  Book  of 
Acts,  which  is  our  only  authority,  the  activity  of  the  Church 
during  these  five  years  was  limited  to  the  City  of  Jerusalem 
and  its  immediate  vicinity.  See  Acts  i.  4;  12,  13.  We  read 
as  yet  of  no  churches  founded  in  Galilee  or  Samaria,  or  even 
in  parts  of  Judea  remote  from  the  capital,  notwithstanding 
the  command  in  Acts   i.  8. 

III.  Environment.  The  ecclesiastical  surround- 
ing's of  the  Pentecostal  Church  are  purely  Jewish.  The 
collisions  are  wholly  with  the  Jewish  hierarchy,  and  the  per- 
secutions are  by  the  rulers  of  the  Jews.  See  Acts  4.  1-3 ; 
5.  17,  18.      ^  ^ 

The  political  power  is  that  of  the  Roman  empire,  of 
which  Judea  formed  a  province,  but  the  Roman  magistrates 
seem  to  have  given  no  attention  to  what  they  doubtless  con- 
sidered only  petty  quarrels  between  rival  sects  of  the  Jews. 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  27 

Even  the  lynching  of  Stephen  by  an  infuriated   Jewish  mob 
seems  to  have  been  passed  over  without  notice. 

Part  Second. 

IV.  Events.  The  principal  events  in  the  history  of  the 
Pentecostal  Church  were  the  following  : 

1.  The  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  took  place 
on  the  Day  of  Pentecost,  A.  D.  30.  Note  the  conditions 
(Acts  2.  i)  and  the  results  of  His  coming  (Acts  2.  2-4). 
This  was  the  needed  preparation  of  the  Church  for  her  great 
work.     Acts  I.  8. 

2.  The  preaching  of  Peter.  Through  a  series  of  ad- 
dresses by  the  apostle  Peter  the  attention  of  the  people  was 
awakened  and  multitudes  were  won  to  the  new  faith. 

His  first  address.      Acts  2.  14-36. 

His  second  address.     Acts  3.  11-26. 

His  third  address.     Acts  4.  5-12. 

Note  the  place  and  subject  of  each  of  these  addresses. 

3.  The  apostolic  miracles.  The  institution  of  the 
Church  was  attended  with  miraculous  manifestations  :  A  mir- 
acle on  the  Day  of  Pentecost  (Acts  2.  4-6) ;  a  miracle  of 
healing  (Acts  3.  1-8)  ;  a  miracle  of  punishment  (Acts  5. 
i-io);  many  miracles  (Acts  5.  12-16);  a  miracle  of  deliv- 
erance (Acts  5.  17-20). 

The  design  of  these  miracles  may  have  been  : 

(i.)   To  attract  attention  to  the  Gospel.     Acts  3.  8-10. 

(2.)   To  attest  the  divine.     Acts  4.  13,  14. 

(3.)  To  serve  as  the  apostles'  credentials.     John  3.  2. 

(4.)  To  show  through  the  natural  world  the  laws  of  the 
spiritual  world  ;  that  is,  in  the  healing  of  the  body  a  picture 
of  salvation  to  the  soul. 

4.  The  apostles  persecuted.  The  preaching  of  a 
risen  Christ  soon  aroused  the  enmity  of  the  Jewish  rulers, 
who  had  so  recently  crucified  the  Saviour.  Note  that  the 
persecuting    faction    in    the    council    belonged    to    the    sect 


28  STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS. 

which  denied  any  resurrection.  Acts  4.  i  ;  5-17;  23.8. 
Three  times  the  apostles  were  arrested  and  treated  with  in- 
creasing severity. 

The  first  arrest.     Acts  4.  3,  18,  21. 

The  second  arrest.     Acts  5.  17-19. 

The  third  arrest.     Acts  5.  26,  ;^^,  40. 

But  the  persecution  only  increased  the  popular  interest 
and  aided  the  growth  of  the  Church.     Acts  6.  7. 

5.  The  choosing  of  the  seven.  The  first  dissension  in 
the  Church  arose  over  the  administration  of  its  finances. 
Acts  6.  I.  How  the  evil  was  corrected.  Acts  6.  2-4.  The 
character  of  the  men  chosen  for  the  secular  work  of  the 
Church.  Acts  6.  3.  The  names  of  the  seven  suggest  that 
they  belonged  to  the  Grecian  or  Hellenistic  wing  of  the 
Jewish  race,  and  show  the  generous  spirit  of  the  early  Church 
in  placing  this  trust  wholly  in  the  hands  of  the  aggrieved 
party. 

The  title  "  deacons  "  is  nowhere  given  to  these  men  (note 
Acts  21.  8),  but  has  been  inferred  from  the  use  of  the  Greek 
word  diakonia,  "  ministration,"  in  Acts  6.  i. 

Part  Third. 

V.  Leadership.  It  is  evident  that  during  this  period 
the  apostle  Peter  was  the  leader  of  the  Church.  On  every 
occasion  Peter  comes  to  the  front  as  the  most  prominent  and 
powerful  personality  among  the  believers.  He  is  named  first 
in  the  list  of  apostles.     Acts  i.  13. 

He  directs  the  counsels  of  the  Church.     Acts  i.  15. 

He  speaks  in  behalf  of  the  Church,  both  before  the  people 
(Acts  2.  14)  and  before  the  council  (Acts  4.  8). 

He  rebukes  sin  in  the  Church.     Acts  5.  3,  8,  9. 

It  may  be  inferred  that  Peter's  position  was  the  result  of 
his  character,  and  not  from  any  primary  authority  over  his 
fellow-apostles.  *■ 


STUDIES   IN    THE    BOOK    OF   ACTS.  29 

VI.  Membership.  The  Church  in  this  period  consisted 
of  Jews  who  accepted  Jesus  as  the  Messiah  of  Israel.  Acts 
2.  s^' 

The  number  of  the  first  disciples.     Acts  i.  15. 

The  number  ten  days  afterward.     Acts  2.  14. 

A  further  growth.     Acts  4.  4. 

The  condition  of  the  Church  at  the  close  of  this  period. 
Acts  6.  7. 

The  creed.     Acts  5.  30,  31. 

The  conditions  of  membership.     Acts  2.  38. 

From  Acts  6.  i,  5,  we  find  three  branches  of  Judaism  were 
represented  in  the  Pentecostal  Church: 

1.  Hebrews,  or  Jews  of  Palestine. 

2.  Grecians,  or  Hellenists,  Jews  of  foreign  birth,  speaking 
the  Greek  language. 

3.  Proselytes,  or  Gentiles  who  had  embraced  the  Jewish 
faith  and  received  circumcision.  As  yet  no  Gentiles  had 
been  received  into  the  Christian  Church  directly  from 
heathenism. 

Part  Fourth. 

VII.  Government.  The  Pentecostal  Church  possessed 
but  little  organization. 

The  apostles  at  first  directed  all  its  affairs,  both  spiritual 
and  secular.  Acts  2.  42  ;  4.  34,  35.  Their  names.  Acts  i. 
13.  Notice  that  in  the  choice  of  a  new  apostle  to  fill  the 
vacancy  left  by  the  fall  of  Judas,  all  the  members  of  the  in- 
fant Church  participated.  Acts  i.  15,  23-26.  With  the 
growth  of  the  Church  secular  interests  required  attention, 
and  other  officers  were  chosen.  Acts  6.  1-5.  Notice  again 
the  part  taken  by  the  membership  in  the  selection  of  the 
seven.     Acts  6.  ^-6. 

VIII.  Institutions.  The  believers  in  Christ  thus  far 
were  worshiping  Jews,  regularly  attending  the  services  of 
the  temple  (Acts  3.  i),  and  those  of  the  synagogue  (Acts  6.  9). 


30  STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 

We  find,  however,  some  distinctively  Christian  ordinances 
and  institutions  among  them.  They  had  a  place  of  meet- 
ing for  the  Church.     Acts  i.  13;  4.  23. 

Baptism  was  administered.     Acts  2,  ;^S,  41. 

The  Lord's  Supper  was  observed.     Acts  2.  42. 

They  received  instruction.     Acts  2.  42. 

For  a  brief  period  there  was  a  voluntary  community  of 
property,  each  contributing  to  the  needs  of  others.  Acts  2. 
44,  45  ;  4.  32-35.  A  special  instance  of  liberality.  Acts  4. 
36,  37.  But  this  communism,  though  voluntary,  seems  to 
have  wrought  evil,  hypocrisy,  and  dissension  in  the  Church 
(Acts  5.  I,  2;  6.  i),  and  was  soon  abandoned. 

IX.  Doctrinal  Teachings.  The  earliest  Christianity 
was  a  spirit  rather  than  a  creed,  practical  rather  than  dog- 
matic; hence  we  find  few  dbctrines  stated,  and  all  of  them 
having  Jesus  Christ  as  their  center.  The  principal  truth 
preached  was  that  of  the  Messiahship  of  Jesus,  and  the  conse- 
quent duty  of  faith  in  him.  Acts  2.  36;  3.  26;  4.  12.  Special 
emphasis  was  laid  on  the  resurrection  of  Christ.  Acts  i.  22; 
2.  24;  3.  15;  4.  2,  10,  ^^.  His  divine  nature  and  authority. 
Acts  2.  ^^;  3.  13,  26;  5.  31.  His  second  coming  was  also 
declared.     Acts  3.  19-21. 

BLACKBOARD    OUTLINE. 


The  Pentecostal  Church. 

Part  I.  Time.     D,  of  P.  30.  to  Clig.  Sev.  35.     Place.     J.  and  Vic. 

Env.     Ec.  J.     Pol.  Rom. 
Part  IL   Evts.     D.  ofS.    J',  of  P.     A.  Mir.     A.  Per.     Chg.  Sev. 
Part  in.   Lr.     P.  1st  in  L.    of  A.      Directs  C.  C.      Speaks  B.  C. 

Char.      Mem.      J.  ac.  J.      No.  Dis.     Crd.     Cond.  Mem.     H., 

G.,  and  P. 
Part  IV.     Gov.      Lit.   O.      A.    Direct.      Pop.  Elec.       Inst.     Mtg. 

Bapt.     L.  Sup.     Instr.     Vol.  Com.     Doc.     J.  Cent.     Mess.  J. 

Res.  J.      Dir.  N.  and  A.      2d  Comg. 


STUDIES   IN    THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS.  31 

QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 

What  was  the  birthday  of  the  Christian  Church  ? 

How  many  years  in  the  history  of  the  Pentecostal  Church? 

What  is  our  authority  for  the  early  history  of  the  Church  ? 

In  what  city  was  the  Church  first  established? 

State  the  two  phases  of  its  environment. 

Give  the  five  important  events  of  this  period. 

Mention  the  principal  miracles. 

What  was  the  purpose  of  these  miracles  ? 

How  many  times  were  the  apostles  arrested  ? 

What  caused  the  choosing  of  the  seven  ? 

Give  the  names  of  the  seven. 

Who  was  thejeader  of  the  Pentecostal  Church? 

What  was  the  cause  of  his  power  ? 

To  what  race  did  the  members  of  the  Church  belong  ? 

What  were  the  conditions  of  membership? 

What  three  branches  of  Judaism  were  represented? 

Who  first  directed  the  affairs  of  the  Church  ? 

Give  some  instances  of  popular  elections. 

What  Jewish  services  did  the  early  Church  attend  ? 

What  Christian  ordinances  did  they  maintain? 

What  communism  do  we  find  ? 

What  was  the  central  truth  of  the  apostles'  teaching? 

What  doctrines  concerning  Jesus  were  emphasized  ? 


32  STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


FIFTH  STUDY. 

THE  CHURCH  IN  TRANSITION. 
Part  First; 

We  have  seen  that  during  the  first  five  years  of  the 
Christian  Church  it  was  entirely  Jewish  in  its  membership. 
But  the  Gospel  soon  came  to  the  notice  of  Gentiles,  or  non- 
Jewish  people,  among  whom  were  many  sincere  seekers  after 
God.  These  eagerly  embraced  the  truth  of  salvation  by 
faith  in  Christ  without  the  regulations  of  the  Jewish  law,  and 
for  fifteen  years  the  question  whether  they  could  be  received 
into  the  Church  without  the  Jewish  requirement  of  circum- 
cision was  the  burning  question  among  the  followers  of 
Christ. 

Two  parties  arose — one  demanding  that  all  believing 
Gentiles  should  become  Jews,  and  only  as  Jews  should  they 
be  received  into  the  Church;  the  other  urging  that  Jews  and 
Gentiles  should  be  recognized  as  believers  in  Christ  upon 
the  same  terms.  The  question  was  finally  settled  by  the 
apostles  and  Church  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
in  the  decision  that  Jews  and  Gentiles  were  saved  upon  the 
same  condition  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  were  equal  in  their 
privileges  as  members  of  the  Church.  Thus  for  fifteen  years 
we  observe  the  Church  in  transition  from  a  Jewish  to  a 
Gentile  institution. 

I.  Time.  This  period  begins  with  the  choosing  of  the 
seven,  A.  D.  35,  and  ends  with  the  Council  at  Jerusalem, 

A.  D.  50,  thus  embracing  fifteen  years. 

II.  Place.  In  this  period  we  find  the  Church  occupying 
aa  ever-widening  field. 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


33 


1.  The  Gospel,  which  hitherto  had 
been  limited  to  Jerusalem,  was  now 
rapidly  preached  and  planted  through- 
out all  Palestine.  Notice  churches 
in  three  provinces.  Acts  8.  5,  25; 
9.  31.  Special  places  referred  to 
during    this    period.       Acts    8,     40  ; 

9- 32,  38- 

2.  The  next  step  was  the  planting 
of  the  Church  in  the  lands  adjoining 
Palestine,  the  great  province  of  Syria, 
with   its   great   cities  of    Damascus 

and  Antioch,  and    the    adjacent  island    of  Cyprus.     Acts 
9.  19  ;   II.  19-21. 

3.  The  third  step  was  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  through- 
out all  the  lands  and  islands  of  Asia  Minor.     Acts  13.  5,  6, 

13.  15  ;   14-  I,  6. 

Thus  in  fifteen  years  the  Church  had  extended  from  Jeru- 
salem to  Asia  Minor,  and  from  Jews  to  all  nations. 


Part  Second. 

III.  Events.  Every  important  event  of  this  period  was 
a  step  in  the  progress  of  the  Church  from  narrow  Judaism  to 
a  world-wide  Christianity. 

I.  The  preaching  of  Stephen.  Acts  6.  8  to  7.  60.  It  is 
evident  that  Stephen  was  the  earliest  leader  in  the  move- 
ment toward  a  larger  Gospel.  His  preaching  began  among 
the  Hellenistic  or  Grecian  Jews,  to  whom  he  undoubtedly 
belonged.  Acts  6.  9.  The  charges  against  him  indicate  that 
he  advocated  an  enlargement  of  Jewish  thought.  Acts  6. 
11-14.  His  discourse,  the  longest  in  the  New  Testament 
(except  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount),  though  unfinished,  shows 
a  purpose  in  the  same  direction.  Acts  7.  1-53.  In  spirit  and 
teaching  Stephen  was  the  forerunner  of  Paul.  Acts  7.  58. 
3 


34 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 


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2.  The  persecution  by  Saul.  Acts  8.  1-4.  This  was 
an  important  link  in  the  chain  of  events,  for  thereby  the 
Church  at  Jerusalem,  which  seemed  to  have  forgotten  the 
Lord's  command  (Acts  i.  8),  was  scattered  through  Palestine 
and  surrounding  regions,  and  the  seed  of  truth  was  sown 
everywhere  to  grow  up  quickly  into  churches  (Acts  8.  1-4). 

3.  The  preaching  of  Philip.  Acts  8.  5-40.  Notice 
that  now  for  the  first  time  a  people  outside  of  the  pale  of  the 
Jewish  Church  are  addressed.  Acts  8.  5.  Notice,  too,  their 
readiness  to  receive  the  Gospel.  Acts.  8.  12.  See  an  earnest 
seeker  described.  Acts  8.  27-30.  A  missionary  tour  along 
the  coast  of  Palestine.     Acts  8.  40. 

4.  The  conversion  of  Saul.  Acts  9.  1-22.  This  was 
a  great  event,  for  in  due  time  it  gave  to  the  cause  a  mighty 
leader.  Acts  8.  15.  Nor  was  it  as  sudden  as  it  seemed,  for 
note  Acts  9.  5,  last  clause.  The  hatred  of  the  Jews  toward 
the  new  convert  is  easily  explained  by  the  view  that  Saul  at- 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  35 

once  embraced  and  preached  the  principles  of  a  Gospel  for 
all  men.     Acts  9.  23,  24.     See  also  Gal,  i.  11,  12,  15,   16. 

5.  The  conversion  of  Cornelius.  Acts  10.  i-n,  18. 
Notice  several  important  points  : 

(i.)  His  character  as  a  sincere  seeker  after  God.  Acts  10. 
2,  22. 

(2.)  Peter's  preparation  for  the  innovation.     Acts  10.  9-16. 

(3.)  Peter's   discourse,  showing  enlarged  views.     Acts  10. 

34-43- 

(4.)  The  baptism  of  Pentecost  falling  upon  Gentiles.     Acts 

10.  44,  45. 

(5.)  Gentiles  baptized  by  an  apostle.     Acts  10,  47,  48. 

(6.)  The  effect  upon  the  Church.     Acts  11.  18. 

6.  The  Church  at  Antioch. 

7.  The  First  Missionary  Journey. 

8.  The  Council  at  Jerusalem. 

(These  last  three  events  will  be  fully  treated  in  succeeding 
studies.) 

Part  Third. 

IV.  Leadership.  In  this  period  we  recognize  six  men  as 
the  leaders  of  the  Church. 

1.  Stephen,  the  first  martyr,  was  also  the  first  to  point 
the  way  toward  the  preaching  of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles.  His 
character  is  indicated.  Acts  6.  5.  His  appearance  before 
the  council,  Acts  6.  15.  His  vision,  Acts  7.  55,  56.  His 
murderers.  Acts    7.   58.     His   dying  prayer.  Acts  7.   59,  60. 

2.  Philip  took  up  Stephen's  work  and  carried  the  Gospel 
to  the  Samaritans,  Acts  8.  5.  His  title  is  given.  Acts  21.  8. 
In  Acts  8.  26-40  we  find  the  characteristics  of  a  worker  for 
Christ : 

(i.)  A  spiritual  man.     Verse  29. 
(2.)  An  obedient  worker.     Verse  30. 
(3.)  A  skillful  worker.     Verse  30. 
(4.)   A  scriptural  worker.     Verse  35. 


36  STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 

3.  Peter  was  the  first  of  the  apostles  to  perceive  that  Jews 
and  Gentiles  stood  equal  before  God  in  the  purpose  of  salva- 
tion.    Acts  10.  34,  35  ;   15.  7-9. 

4.  Barnabas  was  a  liberal-minded  worker,  who  aided  in 
leading  the  Church  through  the  period  of  transition.  His 
character  is  given  in  Acts  11.  24.  His  services  on  seven 
occasions:  (i.)  Acts  4.  36,  37;  (?.)  9.  26,  27;  (3.)  11.  22,  23; 
(4.)  II.  25,  26;   (5.)  II.  29,  30;   (6.)  13.  2,  3;   (7.)  15.  2,  12. 

5.  James  was  recognized  as  the  bishop  or  leader  of  the 
Church  in  Jerusalem.  First  named  in  Acts  12.  17.  His  re- 
lationship, Gal.  I.  19.  His  place  among  the  apostles,  Gal.  2. 
9.     His  part  in  the  council,  Acts  15.  13. 

6.  Saul  comes  to  the  front  near  the  close  of  this  epoch. 
His  character  and  career  will  be  treated  in  subsequent 
studies. 

V.  Membership.  During  this  period  we  trace  several 
distinct  elements  in  the  membership  of  the  Church. 

1.  At  the  opening  of  the  period  all  are  Jews,  and  these 
continued  to  form  a  large  proportion  of  the  membership, 
both  in  Palestine  and  throughout  other  lands.  Some  of  these 
were  narrow  in  their  views,  and  demanded  that  believing 
Gentiles  should  become  Jews  by  circumcision.     Acts  15.  i,  5. 

2.  Next  to  the  Jews,  though  not  of  them,  were  the  Samar- 
itans, among  whom  churches  were  early  planted  (Acts  8.  5), 
and  were  recognized  by  the  apostles  (Acts  8.  14,  25). 

3.  Midway  between  Jews  and  Gentiles  were  proselytes,  or 
Gentiles  who  had  adopted  Jewish  views,  renounced  idolatry, 
and  worshiped  Jehovah.  These  were  of  two  classes:  (i.) 
Proselytes  of  righteousness,  who  had  been  formally  re- 
ceived into  the  Jewish  Church  through  the  rite  of  circum- 
cision, as  Nicolas,  Acts  6.  5.  (2.)  Proselytes  of  the 
gate,  that  is,  worshipers  standing  outside  of  the  Jewish 
pale,  as  Cornelius,  Acts  10.  i,  and  Sergius,  Acts  13.  7-12. 
See  also  Acts  13.  42. 


STUDIES    IN    THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  37 

4.  But  beyond  all  these  we  find  in  the  Church,  especially 
toward  the  close  of  this  period,  an  increasing  number  of 
Gentiles,  or  people  who  passed  at  a  step  from  heathenism 
into  Christianity.  See  Acts  13.  48;  15.  27.  These  were 
destined  soon  to  become  the  vast  majority  and  to  wield  a 
controlling  influence  in  the  Church. 

Part  Fourth. 

VI.  Government.  As  the  Church  increased  in  numbers 
and  in  extent  more  organization  became  necessary,  and  we 
find  reference  made  to  some  new  officers. 

1.  The  apostles  are  still  mentioned  as  a  body  having 
general  supervision  over  the  Church.  Acts  8.  14;  9.  26. 
See  also  Gal.  i.  17-19;  2.  9,  which  refer  to  this  period.  We 
notice  that  some  others,  not  of  the  original  twelve,  are  called 
apostles.     Acts  14.  14  ;   Gal.  i.  19. 

2.  The  elders  are  now,  as  a  governing  element,  generally 
associated  with  the  apostles.  Notice  that  in  Acts  11.  i  we 
read  "apostles  and  brethren;"  in  Acts  11.  30  we  find 
"elders"  for  the  first  time  mentioned;  again  in  Acts  14.  23, 
among  the  Gentile  churches ;  and  in  Acts  15.  4,6,  22,  we  read 
"apostles  and  elders."  The  office  of  elder  was  probably 
taken  from  the  organization  of  the  synagogue,  which  was 
closely  followed  by  the  early  Church.  "  The  seven  " 
(deacons  ?)  are  not  mentioned  as  a  distinct  body  during  this 
period,  and  were  probably  not  continued  in  the  Church. 

VII.  Institutions.  We  find  also  allusions  to  certain  in- 
stitutions in  the  Church  at  this  time. 

1,  Baptism  is  frequently  mentioned  as  the  rite  of  entrance 
into  the  Church.     Acts  8.  12,  13;  36-38;  9.  18;   10.47,48. 

2.  The  laying  on  of  hands,  either  in  confirmation  or  in 
ordination,  is  mentioned  in  Acts  8.  17;  13.  3.  The  allusion 
in  Acts  14.  23  seems  to  indicate  a  form  of  election,  as  the 
Greek  word  means  "to  appoint  by  a  show  of  hands." 


38  STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 

3.  Prophets  are  mentioned  in  the  Church  of  this  period 
(11.  27  ;  13.  I  ;  15.  32).  Instances  of  prediction  are  given, 
but  the  word  means  "one  who  speaks  by  divine  inspiration," 
a  forth-teller  rather  than  a  foreteller. 

4.  It  has  been  noticed  that  the  word  Church  itself,  with 
reference  to  the  body  of  believers  in  Christ,  appears  for  the 
first  time  in  this  epoch.  Acts  8.  i.  Also  Acts  9.  31;  11.  26; 
14.  ;^;^,  with  reference  to  various  localities.  This  shows  a 
gradual  tendency  toward  organization  and  unity  in  the  work. 
In  Acts  9  may  be  found  five  different  words  employed  to 
designate  the  followers  of  Christ,  all  of  which  are  suggestive. 

VIII.  Doctrinal  Teaching.  For  a  knowledge  of  the 
doctrines  taught  during  this  period  we  must  study  three  dis- 
courses which  were  delivered  at  this  time. 

1.  Stephen's  address  before  the  Jewish  council.  Acts  7. 
2-53.  This  must  be  regarded  as  incomplete,  scarcely  more 
than  the  introduction  having  been  given  when  it  was  inter- 
rupted by  the  rage  of  his  hearers.  Acts  7.  54.  From  it  little 
can  be  obtained  in  the  way  of  doctrinal  teaching,  except  by 
inference. 

2.  Peter's  discourse  at  Caesarea.     Acts  10.  34-43. 

3.  Paul's  discourse  in  the  synagogue  of  Antioch  in  Pisidia. 
Acts  14.   16-41. 

In  these  two  latter  discourses  there  is  a  similarity  of 
structure. 

(i.)  Both  make  reference  to  the  Old  Testament. 

(2.)  Both  cite  the  facts  of  Christ's  life. 

(3.)  Both  make  mention  of  his  death  on  the  cross. 

(4.)   Both  lay  emphasis  on  his  resurrection  and  its  evidences. 

(5.)  Both  speak  of  the  forgiveness  of  sins  through  Christ. 


STUDIES    IN   THE   BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


39 


BLACKBOARD   OUTLINE. 


The 

Church 

IN  Transition. 

Pa 

■t  First.     I. 

Ti.     35- 

-50.     IL 

PI.     I. 

Pal.     2.   Syr 

^ 

3.  A. 

M. 

Pa 

•t  Second. 

III.  Evts.     I.  Pr 

.  of  St. 

2.    Per.    by 

S. 

3.   Pr.  of 

Ph.     4.  Con.  of  S. 

5.   Con 

of  C. 

6.   Ch.  at  A. 

7 

.  1st 

Miss. 

J.     8.  CI 

at  J. 

Pa 

•t  Third.     IV.  Lrs. 

I.  St.     2. 

Ph.    3- 

Pet.     4.  Bar. 

5 

Jas. 

6.  S. 

V.  Mem. 

I.   Js. 

2.   Sam. 

3.   Pros.     4.   Gent. 

Part  Fourth. 

VI.  Gov 

I.   Ap 

2.  Eld.      VII.  In 

St. 

I. 

Bap. 

2.  Layg. 

Hds.      3. 

Pro.      4 

Ch. 

VIII.    Doc. 

I.   St 

.  Ad. 

2.  Pet.  D 

IS.     3.   PI. 

Dis. 

QUESTIONS  FOR   REVIEW. 

Who  were  the  Gentiles? 

What  question  arose  concerning  their  admission  to  the  CJiurch  ? 

How  long  was  the  period  of  "  transition?" 

In  what  provinces  of  Palestine  are  churches  mentioned  ? 

What  places  in  Asia  Minor  were  earliest  visited  by  Christian  missionaries? 

Give  the  eight  important  events  of  this  period. 

Who  was  the  earliest  leader  in  this  movement? 

How  did  the  persecution  by  Saul  promote  the  spread  of  the  Gospel  ? 

Who  was  Philip,  and  where  did  he  preach  ? 

Why  was  the  conversion  of  Saul  an  important  event  ? 

Who  were  the  six  leaders  during  the  period  of  transition? 

What  four  elements  were  included  in  the  membership  of  the  "  Church 
in  transition  ?  " 

What  two  classes  of  officers  in  the  Church  are  mentioned  during  this 
period  ? 

Give  the  four  "institutions"  named  in  the  Church  at  this  time. 


40  STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


SIXTH  STUDY. 

THE  CHURCH  ESTABLISHED  AMONG  THE 
GENTILES. 

The  Church  at  Jerusalem  was  slow  to  attempt  the  spread 
of  Christianity  from  that  center.  Notwithstanding  the  ex- 
press command  of  the  Lord  (Acts  i.  8),  no  attempt  seems  to 
have  been  made  to  extend  the  Church  even  to  Samaria  until 
the  Pentecostal  Church  was  scattered  by  the  persecution 
which  began  with  the  martyrdom  of  Stephen,  some  six  years 
after  the  crucifixion  of  the  l^ord.  Then  we  are  told  that 
those  who  were  scattered  abroad  went  everywhere  preaching 
the  word   (Acts  8.  4). 

I.  The  Gospel  Spreading  Abroad. 

1.  A  specimen  case  is  given  in  the  work  of  Philip  the 
evangelist  in  Samaria.  Acts  8.  5-8.  This  man  was  one  of 
the  seven  deacons,  and  it  is  quite  noticeable  that  all  this 
preaching  by  the  scattered  Church  was  done  by  the  laity,  the 
apostles  remaining  through  all  the  storm  at  Jerusalem. 
Acts  8.  I. 

2.  Philip's  successful  labors  in  Samaria  can  hardly 
be  said  to  have  been  carried  on  among  genuine  Gentiles, 
since  the  Samaritans,  although  not  Jews,  yet  possessed  the 
law  of  Moses,  claimed  to  be  his  faithful  followers,  and  lived 
in  expectation  of  a  coming  Messiah.     John  4.  24. 

3.  The  conversion  of  the  Ethiopian  treasurer  (Acts 
8.  26-39),  ^Iso  through  Philip's  agency,  was  another  step 
in  extending  the  Gospel  to  the  Gentiles. 

Others  of  the  dispersed  disciples,  we  are  told  (Acts  11.  19), 
preached    the    word  in    the    island    of    Cyprus,  and    also  in 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK    OF   ACTS.  41 

Phoenicia,  on  the  mainland,  and  so  on  up  the  coast,  past  Tyre 
and  Sidon,  for  tliree  hundred  miles,  as  far  as  Antioch,  the 
proud  capital  of  Syria.  Still,  in  all  these  efforts  they  attempt 
the  conversion  of  Jews  and  Jewish  proselytes  only. 

4.  At  last  certain  disciples,  natives  of  Cyprus  and  Cyrene, 
began  to  proclaim  to  the  heathen  Greeks  of  Antioch 
Jesus  Christ  as  the  Saviour  of  sinful  men.  The  word  was 
gladly  received  and  speedily  brought  forth  much  fruit. 
Acts  1 1.  20,  21. 

5.  A  typical  case.  A  real  instance  and  thoroughly  typical 
case  of  the  extension  of  Christianity  to  a  Gentile  is  given  in 
the  conversion  of  Cornelius.     Acts  10.  1-48. 

Cornelius  was  a  typical  Gentile.  A  Roman  of  illus- 
trious family  name.  A  military  officer  with  an  important 
command. 

Evidently  he  was  one  who,  like  many  intelligent  heathen 
of  that  period,  had  become  dissatisfied  with  ''  a  creed  out- 
worn," and  was  feeling  after  the  true  God  with  prayer  and 
alms. 

To  this  typical  Gentile  was  sent  by  divine  direction  the 
leader  of  the  Pentecostal  or  Jewish  Christian  Church,  Peter, 
who  had  been  divinely  prepared  by  vision,  which  greatly  en- 
larged his  spiritual  vision  and  dispelled  some  of  his  old  Jew- 
ish prejudices. 

He  sees  the  hand  of  God  so  clearly  in  bringing  them 
together,  and  the  power  of  God  so  manifested  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  attending  his  presentation  of  the  Gospel  and  falling 
upon  the  Gentile  congregation  assembled  in  the  house  of 
Cornelius,  that  he  feels  that  Christian  baptism,  the  initiatory 
rite,  cannot  be  forbidden  them,  and  he  himself  a  leading 
apostle  proceeds  forthwith  to  administer  it. 

Apostolic  sanction  was  thus  given  to  the  admission  of 
Gentiles  directly  to  the  Church  without  passing  through  the 
intermediate  stage  of   Jewish  proselytism   (Acts  11.  17,  18), 


42 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 


and  the  way  opened  for  the  great  work  of  Paul  and  Barnabas 
among  -the  heathen. 

II.  The  Church  Established  at  Antioch. 

I.  About  this  time  it  would  seem  tliat  tidings  came  to  the 
ears  of  the  Church  at  Jerusalem  that  the  Gentiles  in  Antioch 


ANTTOCH    IN    SYRIA.. 

were  turning  to  the  Lord,  and  Barnabas  was  sent  to  ascer- 
tain the  nature  of  the  work  and  render  such  assistance  as  he 
might  be  able.  Acts  ii.  22-24.  He  saw,  was  convinced, 
and  entered  zealously  into  the  work  with  the  laborers  already 
in  the  field. 

Note  the  elements  of  a  good  worker  : 

(i.)   Activity. 

(2.)   Character. 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF   ACTS.  43 

(3.)   Faith. 

(4.)  Divine  anointing. 

Reinforcements.  So  greatly  did  the  work  develop  that 
Barnabas  felt  the  need  of  more  laborers  in  gathering  the 
spiritual  harvest.  Saul  of  Tarsus  had  been  converted  a  few 
years  before  this  time,  turned  aside  from  other  fields  of  labor 
(Acts  9.  20-25,  29,  30),  and  marvelously  prepared  for  just 
such  work.  Him  Barnabas  brought  from  Tarsus,  and  for  a 
whole  year  the  two  toiled  harmoniously  and  successfully 
together  in  Antioch  building  up  what  was  by  far  the  strongest 
Church  in  all  early  Christianity. 

2.  The  distinctive  name  of  the  followers  of  Christ  was 
given  here  (Acts  11.  26),  and  though    it  was  doubtless  at  the 
first    intended   as  a  name   of   reproach   or    contempt,  it  was 
accepted    as    significant  of    character,  and  has   become    the 
world-wide  appellation  for  believers  in  Christ. 
Note  the  Church  at  Antioch  was: 
(i.)   A  generous  Church.     Acts  11.  27-30, 
(2.)   An  aggressive,  missionary  Church,     Acts  13.  1-4, 
(3.)  The  most  prominent  Church  for  the  first  few  centuries. 

After  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Romans,  A,  D.  70, 
Antioch  became  the  center  of  Christendom,  was  known  as 
'*  Theopolis,"  the  City  of  God,  and  in  the  days  of  Chrysostom 
is  said  to  have  contained  one  hundred  thousand  Christians. 
Thus  the  Christian  Church  became  firmly  established  among 
the  Gentiles,  and  from  Antioch  as  a  center  was  destined  to 
spread  abroad  into  all  the  earth. 


BLACKBOARD 

OUTLINE. 

The  Church  Established 

AMONG    J  HE 

G 

ENIILES. 

I. 

Gosp.  Spr.     I. 

(Apos.  Sane.) 

Ph.     2.  Sam. 

3.   Eth.  Tr. 

4- 

Gr.      5. 

Corn. 

II. 

Ch.  Est.  Ant. 

I.   B.  at  A.     2 

Dist.  Na. 

44  STUDIES    IN    THE   BOOK    OF   ACTS. 

QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 

What  event  promoted  the  spread  of  the  Gospel  ? 

Where  did  Philip  preach  the  Gospel  ? 

What  was  the  religious  condition  of  the  Samaritans? 

In  what  places  did  the  dispersed  disciples  preach  ? 

Who  first  preached  the  word  to  the  Greeks  at  Antioch  ? 

Why  was  the  conversion  of  Cornelius  a  typical  case  ? 

How  did  it  involve  apostolic  sanction  ? 

Whom  did  the  apostles  send  to  aid  the  work  in  Antioch  ? 

What  elements  of  a  good  worker  are  presented  by  him? 

Who  came  to  his  aid  ? 

What  was  the  result  of  their  joint  laboi-s  ? 

Give  three  characteristics  of  the  Church  at  Antioch. 

What  position  did  this  Church  hold  after  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem? 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  45 


SEVENTH  STUDY. 

PAUL'S  FIRST  MISSIONARY  JOURNEY. 

Preparation.  The  time  had  now  fully  come  for  the 
world-wide  dissemination  of  Christianity. 

The  Church  had  become  firmly  established  as  a  base  of 
aggressive  operations. 

The  heathen  world,  with  its  effete  systems  of  idolatry, 
was  ready  for  the  Gospel — the  fields  were  indeed  "  white  unto 
the  harvest." 

The  laborers  also  had  been  prepared  and  fitted  for  the 
work. 

I.  The  First  Missionary  Meeting  ever  held  by  the 
Christian  Church  is  described.     Acts  13.  1-4. 

Notice,  the  action  taken  was  under  the  immediate  direc- 
tion of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  also  among  the  list  of  possible  can- 
didates for  the  work  of  foreign  missions,  the  ones  first  and 
last  named,  Barnabas  and  Saul,  are  designated. 

II.  The  First  Missionaries. 

1.  Of  Barnabas  we  know: 
(i.)  His  nativity.     Acts  4.  ;^6. 
(2.)   His  generosity.     Acts  4,  37. 
(3.)   His  brotherliness.     Acts  9.  27. 

(4.)   His  evangelistic  spirit.     Acts  11.  22-26. 

2.  Saul,  named  last  in  the  list  at  Antioch,  and  the  second 
of  the  newly  appointed  missionaries,  was  soon  to  come  to  the 
very  first  place  in  the  eyes  of  the  Christian  world  and  to  hold 
that  prominence  forever. 

Divine  providence  and  grace  had  given  this  man  a  four- 
fold fitness  for  great  and  wide  and  permanent  usefulness. 


46 


STUDIES    IN    THE   BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


(i.)  By  birth  and  religious   training  he  was  a  Jew 

(Phil.  3.  5),  a  Pharisee  (x\cts  23.  6),  and  thus  he  was  well 
versed  in  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures,  and  fitted  to  show 
that  Christianity  was  no  strange  religion,  but  the  natural  and 
divine  sequence  to  a  genuine  and  scriptural  Judaism. 

(2.)  By  education  and  mental  training  he  was  a 
Greek,  and  thus  prepared  to  use  the  Greek  language  fluently 
and  effectively,  and  cope  with  the  alert  Greek  mind  either 
among  the  populace  of  Antioch  (Acts  11.  25,  26),  or  the 
philosophers  of  Athens  (Acts  17.  22-31). 

(3.)  In  citizenship  he  was  a  Roman,  and  so  entitled  to 
claim  the  protection  of  the  Roman  government  wherever  he 
went  carrying  the  cosmopolitan  Gospel  throughout  the  broad 
extent  of  the  Roman  empire.     Acts  16.  37  ;   22.  25. 

(4.)  Divine  grace  had  met  this  man  on  the  way  to 
Damascus  and  supplemented  all  his  other  qualifications  with 
an  experimental  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  as  a  personal 
Saviour  and  a  demonstration  that  he  was  the  long-promised 
Messiah  of  the  Jews  and  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  Acts  26. 
22,  23  ;  Gal.  I.  15,  16. 

III.  The  Places  Visited.    We  notice : 

1.  Seleucia,  the  port  whence  they 
sailed.     Acts  13.  4. 

2.  The  island  of  Cyprus,  their 
first  field  of  effort,  and  its  two  cities 
of  Salamis  and  Paphos,  in  which 
they  opened  their  commission.  Acts 
13.  5,  6.  Cyprus  was  already  con- 
nected with  the  progress  of  the  Gospel  in  various  ways.  It 
was  the  birthplace  of  Barnabas.  Acts  4.  ;^6.  The  scattered 
Jewish  Christians  had  preached  the  word  there.  Acts  11.  19. 
Men  of  Cyprus  had  preached  at  Antioch.  Acts  11.  20. 
There  were  also  many  Jews  and  Jewish  synagogues  in  the 
island  making  it  a  promising  field  of  labor.    Acts  13.  5. 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 


47 


CYPRUS 

8ca)e  120  n 


Notice,  •  Paphos  was  the  place 
where,  after  the  conversion  of  Ser- 
gius  Paulus,  the  governor  of  the 
island,  the  Jewish  name  of  the  great 
apostle,  "Saul,"  is  dropped,  and  as 
he  goes  in  among  the  Gentiles  he  is 
henceforth  known  by  his  Roman 
name  "Paul."     Acts  13.  9. 

3.  Perga  in  Pamphylia ;  where  but  a  short  sojourn  is 
made,  and  Mark  forsakes  them.     Acts  13.  13. 

4.  Antioch  in  Pisidia.  The  visit  to  this  place  was 
marked  by  a  memorable  discourse  by  Paul,  the  only  one  of 
his  missionary  sermons  on  this  tour  of  which  we  have  any 
record.     Acts  13.  16-41, 

Notice  :  The  favorable  reception  at  first.  Acts  13.  15. 
The  opposition  of  the  Jews.     Acts  13.  45. 

5.  Iconium.  Here  the  missionaries  appear  to  have 
remained  some  time  preaching  in  the  synagogues  and  private 
houses,  but  the  curious  Jews  stirred  up  the  people  and  by 
threats  drove  them  from  the  city.     Acts  14.  5,  6. 

6.  Lystra.  This  seems  to  have  been  a  wholly  heathen 
city,  where  a  great  miracle  prompted  the  people  to  offer  them 
idolatrous  worship;  but  the  Jewish  persecutors  followed  from 
Antioch  and  Iconium,  and  Paul  was  stoned  and  left  for 
dead.     Acts  14.  19. 

7.  Derbe,  like  Lystra,  was  a  heathen  city  of  Lycaonia, 
but  here  the  Word  was  jjreached  without  opposition  and  with 
much  success.     Acts  14.  21. 

The  return  journey  appears  to  have  been  made  without 
encountering  opposition.  All  of  the  cities  of  the  outgoing 
trip,  excepting  those  in  the  island  of  Cyprus,  were  revisited 
and  churches  were  organized.     Acts  14.  23. 

After  an  absence  of  some  eighteen  months  the  missionaries 
again  reach  the  Syrian  Antioch  and  gladly  give  account  of 
their  trials  and  triumphs.     Acts  14.  26. 


48  STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


BLACKBOARD    OUTLINE. 


Paul's  F'irst  Missionary  Journey, 

I. 

ist  Miss.    Mtg.   Prep.     i.  Ch.   E.     2.  Idol.   ef.     3.  Lab. 

IL 

1st  Miss.     I.   Bar.  N.  G.  B.  E.     2.   Saul  ].  G.  R.  Ch. 

in. 

PI.    I.  Sel.     2.   Cy.     3.   Ber.    4.   An.     5.  Ico.     6.  L.     7.  D. 

QUESTIONS   FOR   REVIEW. 

In  what  respects  was  the  time  ripe  for  Paul's  missionary  work  ? 

Where  was  the  first  missionary  meeting  held  by  the  Christian  Church  ? 

What  four  things  are  known  of  Barnabas  ? 

Mention  the  elements  of  Paul's  fourfold  preparation  ? 

Give  a  list  of  the  places  visited  in  Paul's  first  missionary  journey. 

Where  was  his  name  changed? 

Why  was  Cyprus  a  promising  field. of  missionary  effort? 

Where  did  Paul  preach  a  memorable  missionary  sermon  ? 

Which  two  cities  were  wholly  heathen? 

Where  was  Paul  stoned  ? 

In  what  places  were  churches  organized  on  the  return  trip  ? 

How  long  a  time  was  included  in  Paul's  first  missionaiy  journey  ? 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK    OF   ACTS.  49 


EIGHTH   STUDY. 

THE  GENTILE  CHURCH  RECOGNIZED. 

This  is  a  short  study,  Init  a  very  important  one.  In  it  we 
consider  principles  and  decisions  of  the  early  Church  which 
were  of  vital  importance  then,  also  to  the  Christian  Church 
of  the  present  time  and  of  all  future  time.  In  the  year 
A.  D.  50  the  Gentile  Church  had  become  fully  established 
with  its  headquarters  at  Antioch  in  Syria.  It  had  also  been 
widely  extended,  especially  through  the  missionary  labors  of 
Paul  and  Barnabas,  so  that  Gentile  Churches  had  been 
organized  at  numerous  points  in  Asia  Minor  and  elsewhere. 
Gentile  Christianity,  however,  up  to  this  time  had  received 
little  more  than  toleration  from  the  mother  Church  at  Jeru- 
salem, instead  of  the  full  fellowship  necessary  to  the  com- 
plete unity  of  the  body  of  Christ.  John  17.  21.  Bigotry 
and  prejudice  die  hard,  and  Jewish  bigotry  was  most 
stubborn. 

We  note  three  things: 

I.  The  Preparation  for  Full  Recognition. 

1.  Prophecy.  Gen.  22.  18;  Hag.  2.  7;  Isa.  11.  10;  Luke 
2.  32. 

2.  The  words  of  Jesus.  Matt.  28.  19;  Mark  16.  15; 
Luke  24.  47;   Acts  i.  8. 

3.  The  Pentecostal  miracle  of  tongues,  teaching 
that  the  Gospel  of  Christ  was  designed  for  men  of  every 
language  and  nation.     Acts  2.  8. 

4.  Peter's  vision  and  mission  to  Cornelius  (Acts  10. 
9-34),  in  which  the  great  truth  was  brought  out  that  "  God  is 
no  respecter  of  persons;  but  in  every  nation  he  that  feareth 
him,  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  with  him." 


so  STUDIES   IN   THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 

5,  The  results  of  evangelistic  labors  in  Samaria  (Acts  8, 
5-25),  Caesarea  (Acts  10.  44-48),  Antioch  (Acts  11.  20-26), 
and  Cyprus  (Acts  13.  12). 

II.  The  Necessity  for  Recognition. 

1.  To  the  converted  Gentiles.  These  needed  the  en- 
couragement of  full  fellowship  with  the  original  Church,  the 
Pentecostal  Church  at  Jerusalem.  They  had  broken  away 
from  their  idolatrous  countrymen,  and  it  was  neither  wise  nor 
safe  that  they  should  be  compelled  to  think  of  themselves  as 
only  half  Christians,  and  lacking  something  which  prevented 
their  full  recognition  by  the  mother  Church,     Rom.  3.  29,30. 

2.  The  need  was  almost  equally  great  for  the 
converted  Jew.  The  spirit  of  caste  must  be  forbidden  in 
the  infant  Church,  and  the  converted  Jew  must  be  given 
enlargement  of  spiritual  vision  in  harmony  with  the  world- 
wide design  of  the  Gospel.  In  no  other  way  can  this  neces- 
sity be  better  illustrated  than  by  the  incident  in  the  life  of 
Peter,  when  for  a  day  he  relapsed  into  his  old  Jewish  habit 
of  thought  and  feeling  toward  Gentiles.     Gal.  2.  11-13. 

It  is  well  to  notice  that  Paul's  sharp  reproof  did  not  result 
in  permanent  estrangement.      2  Peter  3.  15. 

3.  To  secure  the  concord  and  unity  of  the  one  Church 
of  Christ  in  all  ages. 

III.  The  Process  of  Recognition. 
We  note  nine  successive  steps : 

1.  The  great  prosperity  of  the  Church  at  Antioch.  Acts  1 1. 26. 

2.  The  disturbers  of  the  peace.     Acts  15.  i. 

3.  The  deputation  to  Jerusalem.     Acts  15.  2;  Gal.  2.  i. 

4.  The  council  at  Jerusalem.     Acts  15.  6. 

5.  The  speeches  : 

(i.)  Peter.     Acts  15.  7-1 1. 

(2.)  Barnabas  and  Saul.     Acts  15.   12. 

(3.)   James.     Acts  15.  13-21. 

6.  The  formal  decision.     Acts  15.  23-29. 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS.  51 

7.  The  deputation  to  Antioch.     Acts  15.  27. 

8.  The  right  hand  of  fellowship.     Gal.  2.  9. 

9.  The   satisfaction   among   the   Gentile  Christians.     Acts 

15-  30,  31- 

It  is  impossible  to  overestimate  the  value  of  this  just  and 

harmonious  settlement    of   a  question  which    threatened    to 

create  a  serious   schism  in  the  early  Church,  or  to  send  the 

spirit  of  caste  down  the  ages,  but  which  on  the  contrary  was 

decided  in  strict   harmony  with  the  great  Christian   principle 

of  justification  by  faith  alone.     Rom.  3.  28. 

BLACKBOARD    OUTLINE. 


The  Gentile  Church  Recognized. 

I.   Prep.forR.   i.  Lr.   2.  W.ofJ.  3.  M.ofT.  4-  P.V.andM. 

5- 

R. 

n.   N.  for  R.     I.  To  C.  G.  ;  F.  F.     2.  To  C.  J.;  E.  of  Vn. 

3- 

C. 

and  U.  Ch.  of  C. 

III.   P.  of  R.      I.  P.  of  C.     2.   D.  of  P.     3.   D.  to  J.     4.  C 

at 

J. 

5.  S.,  P.,  B.  and  S  ,  J.     6.  F.  D.     7.  D.  to  A.     8.  R. 

II. 

of 

F.     g.  S.  amg.  G.  C. 

QUESTIONS  FOR   REVIEW. 

Give  the  status  of  the  Gentile  Church  at  the  close  of  Paul's  first  mission- 
ary journey. 

What  more  than  "  toleration  "  was  needed  ? 

Give  the  five  items  of  "  Preparation  for  Recognition." 

What  great  fundamental  truth  was  brought  out  in  Peter's  vision  and 
mission  to  Cornelius  ? 

Plow  did  the  results  of  evangelistic  work  among  the  Gentiles  prepare 
the  way  for  full  recognition  ? 

Why  did  converted  Gentiles  need  full  fellowship  ? 

Why  did  converted  Jews  equally  need  to  give  it? 

What  instance  in  the  life  of  Peter  illustrates  this  need  ? 

Why  did  the  Church  in  general  need  the  settlement  of  this  question  ? 

Give  the  nine  steps  in  the  process  of  recognition. 

Who  were  "  the  disturbers  of  the  peace  ?  " 

What  ecclesiastical  body  settled  the  question  of  recognition,  and  in  what 
year? 


52  STUDIES    IN    THE   BOOK    OF    ACTS. 


NINTH  STUDY. 

THE  CHURCH  AMONG  THE  GENTILES. 

Paul's  Second  Missionary  Journey. 

Part  First. 

In  this  study  we  take  up  the  third  general  division  of  the 
history  of  the  early  Ciiurch,  and  commence  our  survey  of 
the  Church  among  the  Gentiles  as  not  only  established 
and  rapidly  spreading,  but  as  fully  recognized  by  the  authori- 
ties of  the  mother  Church  at  Jerusalem. 

The  vexed  question  of  the  relation  of  Jew  and  Gentile  in 
the  Gospel  having  been  settled,  an  epoch  of  unity  and  pros- 
perity dawned  upon  the  Church.  This  third  period  was  one 
of  expansion  in  area,  of  growtli  in  numbers,  and  of  develop- 
ment in  doctrine.  The  whole  w'orld  was  now  open  to  the 
Gospel,  and  the  Church  was  rapidly  conquering  it. 

I.  Time.  The  third  period  in  the  history  of  early 
Christianity  embraces  the  twenty  years  between  the  council 
at  Jerusalem,  A.  D.  50,  and  the  fall  of  Jerusalem,  A.  D.  70. 

II.  Place.  **  The  field  is  the  world  "  was  now  the  princi- 
ple of  the  Gospel,  and  churches  were  planted  in  every  land 
and  in  nearly  every  city  from  the  Persian  Gulf  to  the  Strait 
of  Gibraltar.  Notice  the  distance  between  places  referred  to 
in  Rom.  15.  24  and  i  Peter  5.  13. 

I.  In  Asia.  We  find  references  to  the  following  provinces 
as  included  in  the  field  of  the  Church.  Acts  16.  6,  7  ; 
I  Peter  i.  i.  AVe  notice  seven  churches  near  the  shore  of  the 
JEgean  Sea.     Rev.  i.  11. 


STUDIES    IN    THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  53 


2.  In  Hurope.  Early  in  this  period  the  Gospel  was 
planted  in  Macedonia  and  Greece,  three  cities  in  Macedonia 
having  churches  (Acts  16.  12;  17.  i,  10);  two  cities  in 
Greece,  or  Achaia  (Acts  17.  16,  17;  18.  i);  and  a  province  on 
the  Adriatic  Sea  (Rom.  15.  19). 

Already,  by  unknown  preachers,  the  Gospel  had  reached 
the  world's  capital  in  Italy.  Rom.  i.  7.  There  were  also 
churches  in  an  island  soulh  of  Greece.     Titus  i.  5. 

3.  Although  there  is  no  direct  reference  to  churches  in 
Africa,  yet  from  accounts  in  the  succeeding  period  it  is 
evident  that  the  cities  on  the  southern  shore  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean received  the  Gospel  during  this  epoch. 

Part  Second. 

III.  Events.  The  history  of  this  period  is  mainly  the 
biography  of  one  man,  the  apostle  Paul,  whose  energy  and 
ability  gave  direction  to  the  Church  during  those  twenty 
years.  Through  his  journeys  and  preaching  the  Church  was 
established  ;  in  his  letters  the  doctrinal  system  of  the  Church 
was  fixed  for  all  the  centuries  to  come.  Let  us  now  examine 
in  detail  Paul's  Second  Missionary  Journey,  A.  D.  5 1-54: 

I.  Paul's  companions.  Barnabas  is  no  longer  associated 
with  Paul,  although  invited  to  become  his  companion  in  this 
journey  as  in  the  first.     Acts  15.  36-39. 

(i.)  Silas,  one  of  the  deputation  from  the  council  at 
Jerusalem  (Acts  15.  22),  one  of  the  chief  men  in  the  church 
of  Jerusalem  was  chosen  of  Paul  as  an  associate  (Acts  15.  40 
to  I  Thess.  I.  i). 

(2.)  Timothy,  who  with  both  Jewish  and  Gentile  blood 
in  his  veins  was  admirably  adapted  for  work  among  the 
Gentiles  (Acts  16.  1-3).  Note  his  consecration  to  the  work 
(Phil.  2.  19,  22),  his  spiritual  relationship  to  Paul  (i  Tim.  t.  2). 

(3.)  Luke,  who  joined  Paul  and  his  party  at  Troas  (Acts 
16.  10).  Note  his  profession  indicated  (Col.  4.  14),  and  his 
fidelity  to  the  apostle  (2  Tim.  4.  11). 


54 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


2.  The  places  visited.  As  the  primar}^  purpose  of  the 
journey  was  to  visit  the  places  where  churches  had  been 
established  in  Asia  Minor,  we  find  that  Paul  and  Silas  chose 
the  overland  route  from  Antioch,  crossing  over  into  Cilicia 
by  the  Beilan  Pass,  anciently  known  as  the  "  Syrian  Gates." 
What  churches  there  were  in  Cilicia  (Acts  15.  23)  we  know 
not,  but  must  suppose  from  Paul's  residence  in  Tarsus  for 
some  time  after  his  conversion  (Acts  9.  30)  that  that  city 
was  among  the  number  visited. 

A  large  number  of  places,  however,  are  mentioned  by 
name,  among  them  we  have  : 

(i.)  Derbe  and  Lystra.     Acts  16.  i. 

(2.)    Iconium.     Acts  16.  2. 

(3.)  The  provinces  of  Phrygia  and  Galatia.     Acts  16.  6. 

(4.)   Mysia.     Acts  16.  7. 

(5.)  Troas,  where  he  received  the  Macedonian  call.     Acts 
16.  8,  9. 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


5S 


— - — ^   '■rr^'-^-~    ^ 


(6.)  Philippi  (Acts  16.  12),  where  Paul  first  preached  the 
Gospel  in  Europe  (Acts  16.  13). 
(7.)  Thessalonica.        Acts 

17.  I. 

(8.)  Berea.     Acts  17.  10. 

(9.)  Athens  with  her  phi- 
losophers.    Acts  17.  15-18. 

(10.)  Corinth.     Acts  18.  i. 

(11.)  Ephesus.   Acts  18.19. 

(12.)  Csesarea.   Acts  18.  22. 

(13.)  Jerusalen1.Acts18.22. 

(14.)  Antioch.   Acts  18.  22. 

3.  The  results  of  this  extended  Gospel  tour  were  neither 

few  nor  small. 

(i)  The  churches  established  in  Asia  Minor  were  con- 
firmed and  strengthened  by  the  apostolic  visitation  and  the 
reception  of  the  decrees  of  the  council  at  Jerusalem  (Acts  15. 
41-    16   4),  and  their  number  increased  daily  (Acts  16.  5). 

(2  )  The  Gospel  was  carried  into  eastern  Europe,  and 
churches  were  planted  at  Philippi,  Thessalonica,  Berea,  and 

^T^The  first  two  of  Paul's  great  epistles  were  written 
during  his  stay  in  Corinth-probably  about  A.  D.  52  or  53- 
and  addressed  to  the  Church  at  Thessalonica. 

BLACKBOARD   OUTLINE. 


Paul's  Second  Missionary  Journey. 

^,  r»      T    Ti      TT    PI      I.   A.     2.  Eu.     3-  Af. 

Part  First.     Ch.  amg.  G.     L    1 1.     ^'-  /  *'  ^^^„       .,  ^    c 

Part  Second.      HL    Evts.       P.  S  2d  JVl.  J-  p         ^ 

/    \  T-      /o  ^  T        2    PI       (i.)  U.  and  L.     (2.)   Ic.      (3-)  ^-  ^'"^^ 

t^^.  ^^T.JZ  Gospl^-     |r,\  ana  /t,... 


56  STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 

What  is  the  third  division  of  the  history  of  the  early  Church  ? 

How  long  a  period  of  time  does  it  include,  and  between  what  dates? 

Into  what  continents  was  Christianity  carried  during  this  period  ? 

When  was  Paul's  second  missionary  journey? 

Who  were  Paul's  companions  during  this  journey? 

Why  was  not  Barnabas  one  of  the  number? 

Mention  the  principal  places  visited. 

Where  did  Paul  first  preach  the  Gospel  in  Europe? 

Where  had  he  the  most  highly  cultured  audience  ? 

What  was  the  result  of  tliis  journey  in  Asia  Minor  ? 

What  was  the  result  in  eastern  Europe? 

Where  and  when  were  the  Epistles  to  the  Thessalonians  written  ? 


STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS.  57 


TENTH  STUDY. 

THE  CHURCH  AMONG  THE  GENTILES. 

Paul's  Third  Missionary  Journey. 

Part  Third. 

We  still  continue  the  study  of  the  history  of  the  Gentile 
Church. 

I.  Leadership. 

Paul  is  still  the  great  leader,  but  in  addition  to  Titus 
and  Timothy  we  find  some  new  names  associated  with 
him  in  his  great  work,  as: 

1.  Apollos,  the  eloquent  preacher.     Acts  18.  24-28. 

2.  Erastus,  a  personal  attendant.     Acts  19.  22. 

3.  Gaius  and  Aristarchus,  Macedonians,  and  Paul's 
companions  in  travel  (Acts  19.  29);  also: 

4.  Sopater,  of  Berea,  and 

5.  Secundus,  of  Thessalonica  ; 

6.  Another  Gaius,  from  Derbe,  and 

7.  Tychicus,  and 

8.  Trophimus,  of  Ephesus.     Acts  20.  4. 

9.  Sosthenes.      i  Cor.  i.  i;  Acts  18.  17. 

II.  Membership.  During  this  period  the  distinction  of 
Jew  and  Gentile  is  no  longer  recognized  in  the  working  of 
the  Church.  Gal.  3.  28;  Rom.  10.  12.  An  exception  ap- 
pears in  the  Church  at  Jerusalem,  which  was  still  Jewish. 
Acts  21.  20.  Judaizing  teachers  were  also  found  in  many 
of  the  churches.  Gal.  i.  6,  7;  Phil.  i.  15,  16.  But  the 
Church  was  rapidly  becoming  less  Jewish  and  more  Gentile, 


58  STUDIES   IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 

and  was  now  world-wide  in  its  plans.     Col,  3.  10,  11.     Note 
the  expression  in  Col.  i.  6,  23. 

III.  We  now  study  in  detail  Paul's  Third  Missionary 
Journey. 

1.  The  time  occupied  is  about  four  years,  from  A.  D. 
54  to  58. 

2.  Paul's  companions  in  travel.  Silas  was  no  longer 
with  the  great  apostle,  probably  having  been  left  at  Jerusa- 
lem ;  but  Timothy  was  doubtless  his  constant  companion 
and  helper.     Acts  19.  22;  2  Cor.  i.  i. 

Luke  certainly  was  with  him  during  some  part  of  this 
third  journey,  for  we  find  him  resuming  the  narrative  in  the 
first  person  at  Acts  20.  6. 

Titus  is  also  believed  to  have  been  with  him,  though  not 
mentioned  in  that  portion'  of  Acts  which  describes  this 
journey.      2  Cor.  2.  13;   7.  7  ;  8.  17  ;   12.  18. 

3.  Places. 

(i.)   Galatia  and  Phrygia.     Acts  18.  23. 

(2.)   Ephesus.     Acts  19.  i. 

(3.)  Macedonia.     Acts  20.  i. 

(4.)   Greece.     Acts  20.  2. 

(5.)   Philippi,     Acts  20.  6. 

(6.)   Troas.     Acts  20.  6. 

(7.)  Miletus.     Acts  20.  17. 

(8.)  Tyre.     Acts  21.  3. 

(9.)  Ptolemais.     Acts  21.  7. 

(10.)   Caesarea.     Acts  21.  8. 

(11.)   Jerusalem.     Acts  21.  15. 

4.  Events.  Paul  now  left  Antioch,  which  had  so  long 
been  his  headquarters,  for  the.  last  time.  Westward  the 
Gospel  wins  its  widening  way,  and  Ephesus  for  the  next  three 
years  became  the  scene  of  the  apostle's  principal  labors,  and 
ultimately  imperial  Rome  became  the  metropolis  of  the 
Christian  world. 


STUDIES   IN   THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS.  59 

, Si 

(i.)  The  first  event  is  the  establishing  the  faith  of  the  dis- 
ciples throughout  the  regions  of  Galatia  and  Phrygia,  visit- 
ing all  the  churches  in  order.  Acts  18.  23.  Doubtless  Paul 
found  it  necessary  to  warn  them  against  the  Judaizing 
teachers  who,  notwithstanding  the  decision  of  the  Jerusalem 
council,  continued  to  insist  that  no  one  could  be  a  good 
Christian  without  observing  the  ceremonial  law  of  Moses. 
Gal.  I.  6,  7. 

Paul's  heart  was  always  very  tender  toward  his  spiritual 
children,      i  Cor.  4.  14,  15. 

(2.)  It  is  not  impossible  that  on  this  tour  Paul  was  per- 
mitted to  push  into  the  region  of  Asia  forbidden  him  on  the 
former  journey  (Acts  16.  6,  7),  and  so  planted  some  of  the 
seven  churches  in  Asia,  mentioned  in  Rev.  i.  11. 

(3.)  Paul  next  fulfilled  the  promise  recorded  (Acts  18.  21), 
remaining  here  a  longer  time  than  in  any  other  place  during 
his  Gospel  ministry  (Acts  20.  31).  Among  the  items  of  im- 
portance connected  with  the  pastorate  in  Ephesus  we  notice: 

a.  Supplementing  the  work  of  John  the  Baptist.  Acts 
19.  1-6. 

d.  Miracles  wrought  by  Paul  (Acts  19.  11,  12),  similar  to- 
those  which  authenticated  Peter's  apostleship  at  Jerusalem 
(Acts  5.  15,  16). 

c.  Burning  the  books  of  magic.     Acts  19.  19. 

d.  Writing  First  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians. 

e.  Mob  of  the  Ephesian  silversmiths.     Acts  19.  24-41. 

(4.)   The  Trip  through  Macedonia  and  Greece  (Acts  20.  i, 
2),  and  possibly  Illyricum  (Rom.  15.  19). 
This  trip  included  : 

a.  A  brief  sojourn  in  Philippi,  where  the  Second  Epistle 
to  the  Corinthians  was  written,  A.  D.  57. 

l>.  A  visit  of  three  months  in  Corinth  for  the  correction 
of  abuses  (Acts  20.  3),  where  he  wrote  the  Epistle  to  the 
Galatians,  A.  D.  57,  and  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  A.  D.  58. 


6o 


STUDIES    IN   THE   BOOK   OF   ACTS. 


(5.)  The  return  voyage  to  Je- 
rusalem includes  : 

a.  A  Sunday  at  Troas.  Acts 
20.  6. 

b.  Farewell  interview  with  the 
elders  of  the  Ephesian  Church 
at  Miletus.  Acts  20.  17-38. 
Note  Paul's  affectionate,  unsel- 
fish, and  pathetic  address  on 
this  occasion. 

The  week  at  Tyre.     Acts  21.  3. 

The    sojourn   at   Caesarea   with  Philip    the   Evangelist. 
21.  8  ;  8.  40, 
The  welcome  at  Jerusalem.     Acts  21.  17. 


c. 
d. 
Acts 
e. 


BLACKBOARD   OUTLINE. 


Paul's  Third  Missionary  Journey. 

I. 

Lrs.     P.     T.  and  T.     A.,  E.,  G.  and  A.,  S.,  S.,  G.  from  D.,  T., 

T.,  and  S. 

II. 

Mem.     J.-G.     At  Jer.     J.;  elsewhere  G.  and  J. 

III. 

3d  Miss.  J.     I.  Ti.     2.  Comp.     T.,  L.,  T.     3.  PI.     (i.)  G. 

and    P.      (2.)    Eph.       (3.)    M.      (4.)  Gr.     (5.)  Phil.     (6.)  Tr. 

(7.)  Mil.    (8.)  Ty.     (9.)  Ptol.     (10.)  Cces.     (ii.)  J.    4.   Evts. 

(i.)  Est.  F.     (2)7  Ch.    (3.)  3  Y.  in  Eph.    (4.)  Trip  M.  and  G. 

(5.)  Ret.  to  J. 

QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 

Give  the  names  of  some  of  the  men  who  were  prominent  in  the  Gentile 
Church. 

What  was  the  relation  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  in  the  Church  at  Jerusalem 
and  elsewhere  ? 

What  was  the  probable  date  of  Paul's  third  missionary  journey? 

Who  were  his  traveling  companions  ? 

Mention  the  principal  places  visited. 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF   ACTS.  6i 

What  proof  did  Paul  give  of  his  great  care  for  his  children  in  the 
Gospel  ? 

How  long  was  Paul  in  Ephesus  ? 

What  was  Paul's  first  work  in  Ephesus  ? 

What  marked  evidence  of  sincerity  was  given  by  some  of  the  converts 
there  ? 

What  epistle  was  written  in  Ephesus  ? 

Where  and  when  was  the  Second  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  written  ? 

What  two  epistles  were  written  in  Corinth  ? 

Where  did  Paul  preach  his  longest  sermon  ? 

Where  did  he  give  his  most  tender  and  aft'eclini:  address? 


62  STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


ELEVENTH   STUDY. 

THE  CHURCH  AMONG  THE  GENTILES. 

Paul's  Arrest  and  Imprisonment. 

In  considering  the  condition  of  the  Gentile  Church  at  this 
time  we  notice: 

I.  Its  Government.  This  grows  more  complex  as  the 
Church  becomes  larger  and  more  highly  organized. 

1.  The  apostles  as  a  body  were  not  prominent,  probably 
because  they  were  now  separated  in  different  lands.  At 
Paul's  visit  to  Jerusalem  in  A.  D.  50  he  "  met  the  apostles 
and  elders  "  (Acts  15.  6);  in  A.  D.  60,  on  his  next,  "James 
and  the  elders  "  only  are  mentioned  (Acts  21.  18). 

Later,  Peter  was  at  Babylon,*  far  in  the  East,  i  Peter  5.  13. 
John,  according  to  tradition,  lived  at  Ephesus. 

2.  Bishops  are  first  mentioned  in  this  period.  See  Phil. 
I.  i;  I  Tim.  3.  i-io;  Acts  20.  28  ("  overseers,"  the  same 
word  elsewhere  translated  "  bishops  ").  But  the  word  seems 
to  be  interchangeable  with  elders,  and  refers  to  the  same 
office.  Compare  Acts  20.  17  and  20.  28;  also  Titus  i.  5 
and  I.  7. 

3.  Deacons  also  appear  for  the  first  time,  as  in  Phil.  i.  i  ; 
I  Tim.  3.  12,  13.  Notice  that  bishops  and  deacons  are 
named  together,  not  bishops,  elders,  and  deacons.  "  Nothing 
in  the  New  Testament  warrants  the  view  of  three  orders  in 
the  ministry. 

A  deaconess  is  named  in  Rom.  16.  i. 

*  Some  expositors  think   that  the  word  "  Babylon  "  was  used   by  the   early 
Christians  in  a  mystical  sense  for  Rome.     See  Rev.  14.  8  ;  17.  5,  18. 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS.  63 


4.  If  the  Book  of  Revelation  belongs  to  this  period,  which 
is  not  certain,  there  was  another  office  in  the  Church,  that  of 
angel  or  messenger,  whose  rank  and  prerogatives  are 
unknown.     See  Rev.  i.  20;  2.  i,  8,  etc. 

In  continuing  our  study  of  the  development  of  the  Church 
of  the  Gentiles  under  the  labors  and  teachings  of  its  great 
leader  we  now  take  up: 

II.  Paul's  Arrest  and  Imprisonment  in  Jerusalem. 

We  saw  that  Paul's  third  missionary  journey  ended  at 
Jerusalem,  instead  of  Antioch,  as  did  his  two  former  journeys. 
If  he  had  purposed  to  report  to  the  Church  at  Antioch  at  the 
end  of  this  journey  also,  he  was  prevented  by  circumstances 
entirely  beyond  his  control. 

1.  The  time,  A.  D.  60. 

2.  The  events. 

(i.)  The  welcome.     Acts  21.  17. 

(2.)  The  meeting  of  the  elders,  presided  over  by  the 
venerable  James  (Acts  21.  iS),  when  Paul  rehearsed  the  suc- 
cess God  had  giv^n  him  in  his  ministry  among  the  Gentiles 
(Acts  21.  19),  and  presented  the  alms  which  he  and  the 
deputies  from  the  Churches  had  brought  for  the  poor  saints 
in  Jerusalem  (Acts  24.  17). 

(3.)  The  concession  to  Jewish  prejudice  and  sus- 
picion. Acts  21.  23,  24.  Note  this  action  was  precisely  in 
accord  with  Paul's  principle  of  conduct  as  laid  down  in 
I  Cor.  9.  20. 

(4.)  The  tumult  made  by  bigoted  Jews  from  Asia, 
who  it  is  probable  had  been  defeated  in  argument  with  Paul 
in  the  synagogue  of  Ephesus  (Acts  19.  8,  9),  and  now  saw  an 
opportunity  for  revenge  (Acts  21.  27).  They  raised  the  cry 
of  "  heretic,"  and  Paul  was  soon  in  danger  of  suffering  the 
fate  of  Stephen. 

(5.)  The  Roman  interposition  and  rescue  from  the 
Jewish  mob.     Acts  21.31-33. 


64 


SrUUlES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


(6.)  Paul's  first  defense.  Acts  21.  40  to  22.  21.  Note 
his  use  of  the  Hebrew  tongue  (Acts  22.  2);  his  appeal  to  his 
early  record  (Acts  22.  3-5);  the  story  of  his  conversion  (Acts 
22.  6-16);  his  appointment  as  apostle  to  the  Gentiles 
(Acts  22.  18-21). 

(7.)  The  rights  of  Roman  citizenship.   Acts  22. 25-30. 

(8.)  Paul's  second  defense.  Acts  23.  1-6.  Note  a 
shrewd  stroke  of  policy  in  setting  his  foes  against  each 
other. 

(g.)  The  conspiracy  and  Paul's  removal  to  Caesarea. 
Acts  23.  12-33. 


i:)nn^^^*'  ii  fi  I  ;-,V)Kivi)VnW 


PAUL    I'.EFORE    Tilt:   JEWISH    COUNCIL. 

111.  The  Imprisonment  in  Caesarea. 

1,  The  Time.      Two  years,  A.  D.  60-62. 

2.  The  Place.  Caesarea  was  the  Roman  capitalof  Pal- 
estine, as  Jerusalem  was  the  Jewish,  or  ecclesiastical,  ca])- 
ital.  Here  the  Roman  governor  lived,  maintaining  his 
court  and  supported  by  a  detachment  of  Roman  soldiers. 
Acts  10.  I.  The  city  was  built  by  Herod  the  Great,  who 
transformed  an  insignificant  fishing  village  into  a  city  of 
marble  and  named  it  in  honor  of  the  emperor.  The  site  is 
now  marked  only  by  a  few  scattered  ruins. 


STUDIES    IN   THE    BOOK   OF   ACTS.  65 

3.  The  Events. 

(i.)  Paul's  third  defense,  made  before  Felix  in  reply 
to  a  threefold  charge  made  by  TeTtuUus,  namely,  that  Paul 
created  disturbances  among  the  Jews;  he  was  the  ring- 
leader of  a  sect  called  Nazarenes,  and  that  he  was  a  pro- 
faner  of  the  Jewish  temple.     Acts  24.  10-21. 

(2.)  The  fourth  defense  before  Felix  and  Drusilla. 
Acts  24.  24,  25.  Note  the  effect  of  Paipl's  words.  Acts 
24.  25. 

(3.)  Paul's  fifth  defense,  made  before  Festus,  the  suc- 
cessor of  Felix.     Acts  25.  8. 

(4.)  Paul's  appeal  to  Caesar.  Acts  25.9-12.  Having  ap- 
pealed his  case  to  the  emperor  himself,  as  was  the  right  of  a 
freeborn  Roman  citizen,  he  must  be  sent  to  Rome  and  the 
case  heard  and  decided  by  Caesar  himself.  Acts  25.  12; 
26.  32. 

(5.)  The  examination  before  Festus,  King  Agrippa, 
and  Bernice.  Acts  26.  1-29.  Note  the  verdict  '*not  guilty." 
Acts  26.  31. 

It  only  remained  to  find  a  proper  mode  of  sending  Paul  to 
Rome  and  sending  with  him  a  letter  stating  the  reasons  for 
this  course.    See  Acts  25.  25-27. 

BLACKBOARD   OUTLINE. 


Paul's  Arrest  and  Imprisonment. 

I.  Ch.Gov.  I.  A.  not  Prom.  2.  Bps.  3,  Dea.  4.  A.  or  Mess. 
II.  P.'s  A.  I.  Ti.  A.  D.  60.  2.  Evts.  (i.)  Wei.  (2.)  iMtg. 
Eld.  (3.)  Con.  to  J.  Prej.  (4.)  Turn.  (5.)  Rom.  Int.  (6.) 
P.'s  1st  Def.  (7.)  Rom.  Cit.  (8.)  P.'s  2d  Def.  (9.)  Conspir. 
III.  Imp.  in  Caes.  i.  Ti.  A.  D.  60-62.  2.  PI.  C.  3.  Evts. 
(I.)  P.'s  3d  Def.  (2.)  P.'s  4th  Def.  (3.)  P's  5th  Def. 
(4.)  Ap.  to  C.     (5.)  Ex.  before  F.  and  Ag. 


66  STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK   OF    ACTS. 


QUESTIONS   FOR  REVIEW. 

What  change  occurred  in  the  government  of  the  Church  as  it  became 
larger  ? 

Who  showed  authority  with  the  apostles  ? 

In  wliat  sense  is  the  word  "  bisliop  "  used? 

Was  there  any  office  between  those  of  bishops  and  deacons  in  the  early 
Churcli  ? 

Give  the  date  of  Paul's  arrest  in  Jerusalem. 

By  wliom  had  he  been  welcomed  to  that  city? 

What  concession  was  asked  of  liim  ? 

Did  this  concession  work  for  good  or  ill  ? 

Who  rescued  Paul  from  the  Jewish  mob? 

When  did  Paul  make  his  first  defense  ? 

Why  did  Paul  claim  the  rights  of  Roman  citizenship? 

Why  was  Caesarea  an  important  city  ? 

Under  what  governors  was  Paul  imprisoned  in  Caesarea? 

Before  whom  did  Paul  make  his'fifth  defense? 

What  led  Paul  to  appeal  to  Caesar  ? 

What  was  the  verdict  on  Paul's  last  examination  before  Festus? 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS.  67 


TWELFTH  STUDY. 

THE  CHURCH  AMONG  THE  GENTILES. 

Paul's  Voyage  to  Rome  and  Imprisonment. 

"  Look  in  and  see  Christ's  chosen  saint 

In  meekness  wear  his  Chnsllike  chain  ; 
Nor  fear  lest  he  should  swerve  or  faint, 

His  life  is  Christ — his  death  is  gain." 

—Keble. 

I.  Institutions  of  the  Gentile  Church.  We  find  a 
separation  made  between  the  Christian  and  the  Jewish  syna- 
gogue. See  Acts  18.  7,  8  ;  19.  9.  The  Lord's  Day  begins  to 
be  marked  as  a  day  for  the  assemblage  of  Christians.  Acts 
20.  7;  I.  Cor.  16.  2;  Rev.  i.  10.  Specific  directions  con- 
cerning the  Lord's  Supper  are  given,  i  Cor,  10,  16;  11. 
20-34.  Prophets  are  named  again  in  Acts  21.  9,  10,  and  re- 
ceive directions  in  i  Cor.  14, 

IL  Doctrinal  Teachings  of  the  Period.  This  epoch 
was  marked  by  the  systematization  of  the  doctrines  of  the 
Church,  wrought  in  the  mind  and  stated  by  the  pen  of  the 
apostle  Paul,  We  can  only  name  the  general  subjects  with- 
out particular  statement.  The  doctrines  of  salvation,  particu- 
larly the  great  doctrine  of  justification  by  faith  in  Christ,  are 
presented  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans.  The  doctrine  con- 
cerning Christ  is  given  in  Philippians  and  Colossians.  The 
doctrine  of  the  Church  is  contained  in  Ejjhesians.  From  the 
epistles  of  Paul  the  theology  of  the  Church  in  all  depart- 
ments of  beliet  has  been  drawn. 

III.  Paul's  Voyage  to  Rome. 
I,  Time.     Probably  A.  D.  63. 


68 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 


2.  Companions.  These  were  Luke  and  Aristarchus. 
Acts  27.  2.  Other  prisoners  of  state  also  accompanied 
them,  all  under  the  charge  of  Julius,  a  centurion  of  the 
Augustan  cohort,  with  a  band  of  soldiers  for  a  guard.     Acts 

27.  I. 

3.  Events. 

(i.)  The  voyage   to   Myra.     Acts   27.   5.     Notice  the 
courtesy    of   the    commanding   officer    to    his    distinguished 
prisoner.     Acts  27.  3.     Character  always  commands  respect. 
(2.)  The  disastrous  voyage  to  Melita  in  the  Alexan- 
drian corn  ship.     Acts  27.  6-44. 

This  voyage  included  the  stay  at  the  port  of  Fair  Havens 

(Acts  27.  S-13),  the  hurricane  (Acts 
27.  14-20),  Paul's  vision  (Acts  27. 
21-26),  and  the  final  shipwreck 
(Acts  27.  20-41).  Notice  the  fulfill- 
ment of  Paul's  assurance  of  safety 
for  all  on  board  (Acts  27.  44). 

(3.)  The  winter  spent  in  Mel- 
ita, the  modern  Malta.  Acts  28. 
i-i  I. 

(4.)  The  final  trip  to  Rome. 
By  sea  via  Syracuse  to  Puteoli,  on  the  Bay  of  Naples  (Acts  28, 
11-13),  where  a  short  stop  was  made  (Acts  28.  14).  Thence 
by  land,  via  Appii  Forum  and  the  Three  Taverns  (Acts  28.  15), 
they  journey  along  the  Appian  road  to  the  imperial  city  (Acts 

28.  16).     Notice  Paul's  escort  (Acts  28.  15). 

IV.  Paul's  Residence  in  Rome. 

I.  The  city.  Rome  at  this  time  was  the  great  capital  of 
the  world,  a  city  of  two  millions  of  inhabitants.  Socially  it 
was  a  great  hotbed  of  corruption  and  crime.  Religiously  it 
was  pagan.  There  were  not  only  temples  for  the  principal 
deities  of  Roman  mythology,  but  the  great  Pantheon,  or 
temple  of  all  the  gods. 


STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 


69 


2.  The    captivity.      Under    Nero.     In    his    own    house. 
Acts  28.  16.     For  two  years.     Acts  28.  30. 

3.  The  ministry,     (i.)    To   the  Jews.     Acts   28.  17-24. 
(2.)   To  the  Gentiles.    Acts  28.  25-31. 

4.  Epistles.      During   these    two    years    Paul    wrote    the 
Epistles  to  Philippians,  Colossians,  Philemon,  and  Ephesians. 

V.  Subsequent  Events. 

We  have  now   finished   our  "  Studies   in  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles,"  but  there  are  a  few  events  so   well  supported   by 


ANCIENT    ROME — THE    FORUM    RESTORED. 

history  or  tradition  that  they  should  be  included  in  the  story 
of  the  Gentile  Church,  especially  since  they  are  referred  to 
in  some  of  Paul's  epistles. 

I.  Paul's  release.  After  an  imprisonment  of  two  years 
Paul  was  set  fr(^e,  and  so  remained  for  two  or  three  years,  as 
is  evident  from  allusions  in  the  two  epistles  written  in  this 
interval,     i  Tim.  i.  3;  Titus  i.  5;  3.  12.     During  this  time 


70  STUDIES    IN    THE    BOOK    OF    ACTS. 

he  is  supposed  to  have  preached  the  Gospel  in  Spain,  also  to 
have  visited  the  churches  in  Asia  Minor  and  other  portions 
of  the  East. 

2.  Paul's  rearrest  and  martyrdom.  An  imperial 
persecution  fell  upon  the  Church  more  terrible  than  any 
preceding  one.  There  had  always  been  more  or  less  of  per- 
secution, but  it  had  been  local  and  instigated  by  Jewish 
enemies.  Now,  however,  the  mighty  hand  of  the  Roman 
government  was  laid  upon  the  Church,  under  Nero,  the 
wickedest  of  all  the  emperors.  In  this  persecution  the 
apostle  suffered  martyrdom,  being  beheaded,  outside  the 
walls  of  Rome  on  the  road  to  Ostia.  Christian  tradition  has 
fixed  the  date  on  June  29,  A.  D.  66.  See  Paul's  last  letter. 
2  Tim.  4.  6-8. 

3.  The  fall  of  Jerusalem.  In  the  year  A.  D.  66  the  Jews 
of  Palestine  attempted  to  rebel  against  the  Roman  govern- 
ment. They  fought  bravely,  but  could  do  nothing  against 
the  powtr  that  ruled  the  world.  In  the  year  A.  D.  70  the 
city  of  Jerusalem  was  taken  and  destroyed  by  the  Romans 
under  Titus,  and  the  Jewish  state  was  annihilated.  From 
that  time  all  relation  between  Judaism  and  Christianity  was 
ended,  and  the  Church  was  exclusively  Gentile  in  its  mem- 
bership. 

BLACKBOARD   OUTLINE. 


Paul's  Voyage  to  Rome  and  Imprisonment. 

I. 

Inst.   I.  Cli.  vs.  Syn.     2.  L.'s  Day  vs.  J.  Sab.     3.  L.'s  Sup. 

TI. 

Doc.   I.  J.  by  F.     2.   Christ.     3.  Ch.     4.  All  Theol.  from  P.'s 

Epist. 

in. 

P.  Voy.  to  R.      I.  Ti.      2.  Comp.      L.  and   A.      3.  Evts. 

(i.)  To  My.     (2.)  To  Mel.     (3.)  Wint.  in  Mel.     (4.)  To  R. 

IV. 

P.  Res.  in  R.     i.  Cty.     2.  Cap.     3.  Min.     4.   Epist.  P.,  Col., 

Ph.,   Eph. 

V. 

Sub.  Evts.     I.  P.'s  Rel.     2.  P.'s  Rear,  and  Mar.      3.   F.  of  J. 

STUDIES    IN   THE   BOOK   OF    ACTS.  71 


QUESTIONS  FOR  REVIEW. 

How  came  the  cliurcli  to  take  the  place  of  the  synagogue  ? 

What  great  Christian  rite  was  regulated  in  this  period  ? 

What  are  some  of  the  great  doctrines  of  the  Church  of  the  Gentiles  ? 

Whence  has  the  theology  of  the  Church  been  largely  drawn  ? 

Mention  the  places  visited  by  Paul  on  his  voyage  to  Rome. 

Where  was  he  shipwrecked  ? 

Where  did  he  meet  a  deputation  from  Rome  ? 

Give  some  of  the  characteristics  of  imperial  Rome. 

How  was  Paul  received  by  the  Jews  at  Rome  ? 

How  close  was  his  captivity  ? 

How  extended  was  his  ministiy? 

What  epistles  were  written  in  Rome  ? 

What  reasons  are  there  for  believing  in  Paul's  release  ? 

Where  did  his  martyrdom  occur? 

When  was  the  fall  of  Jerusalem  ? 


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